The work-play balance at Geneva can be a tricky thing. It’s not unusual for students to hear about big events — like the Memorial Pig Roast or Geneva Reading Series — and realize they can’t go because of a project or assignment that needs to be done that day. Or students may choose to attend every event and grades start to plummet. It’s especially common to see this towards the end of the semester when students are balancing final projects with large, commemorative events.
There are a few easy tips to help students get their work done without sacrificing the memory-making moments, or vice versa. The simplest one is to plan ahead. Events are posted around campus and sent in weekly emails, and students are always welcome to come to the Center for Student Engagement (CSE) to ask staff what’s coming that semester. One thing students have found helpful is sitting down once a month or every two weeks to choose some events they want to prioritize. These can be club meetings, large events, or any co-curricular activities. Marking these commitments helps them know when they need to be free and when their projects need to be completed. It also gives students a scheduled “brain break” and motivation to complete assignments so they can go to these events.
However, despite planning, sometimes events pop up that students don’t know about and want to experience. We recommend that, when possible, students try not to save all their work for Friday and Saturdays, but instead try to get as much as they can done between Monday and Thursday. The vast majority of events take place on Fridays and Saturdays so students who have more wiggle room over the weekend have an easier time adjusting to these pop-up events. Now this isn’t always possible, especially with weeks when multiple projects are due, but it’s a good goal for students to aim towards.
Typically, social engagement boosts academic achievement, but there can be some cases in which students overcommit themselves socially. An easy indicator to see if students aren’t prioritizing their work is having them map their time. Having them write out their schedule — even “free time” — can reveal that they aren’t reserving time for schoolwork or have overcommitted themselves to co-curriculars. If a student finds themselves going to things every Friday and Saturday, encourage them to choose a day for events and reserve the other to get extra work done. We always want to encourage our students to engage on campus, but learning your capacity is a normal part of the undergraduate experience.
Written by Kevin Donaldson, Coordinator of Student Activities & Intramurals
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jan 15, 2025
A note from the dean of students, Jamie Swank, on asking the right questions about college life.
Whether you have already experienced the journey of having a child graduate from college or this is the first time, it is important to remember that just like every child is different, every post-graduation path will also look different.
Regardless of where your student finds themselves in their academic journey, you might observe your student shifting towards independence, especially this time of year, and becoming less reliant on you.
One thing we value highly at Geneva College is getting students engaged outside of the classroom. It is a well agreed fact in Higher Education that typically, the more a student is invested in their college community, the better they perform in classes.
One of the most intimidating aspects of nearing graduation is understanding where to start in determining options and knowing what all the options are. One of the more often overlooked opportunities is a faith-based program called The Fellows Initiative (TFI).
You may not be taking exams or finishing up final papers and projects, but you can choose to have an active role in supporting your student through intense exam periods.
Homesickness is a common struggle for students and can typically last anywhere from 3 weeks to over a year. There are a few supportive steps parents, guardians, and caretakers can engage in when their student is missing home.
Jubilee is a 3-day conference (February 16-18, 2024) for students who want their college experience to mean more. Jesus Christ changes everything, discover how at Jubilee!
Talking to your student about grades and academic success can be challenging! Read some tips from our Director of Student Success about these conversations.
Learn more about Geneva College.
Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.
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