Creating A Semester Schedule

1. Decide what kind of structure you want to use (i.e. digital calendar, agenda, whiteboard calendar, itemized list). Explore the examples below to help you decide.

   Consider setting reminders in digital calendars or on your phone for classes, tests, due dates, and dates to start working on particular assignments or studying for tests.

2. Review your course outlines and fill in the due dates for your coursework (i.e. assignments, essays, projects, tests, exams) along with the weights for each (i.e. 20%, 15%)

   Colour coding your courses is helpful to quickly differentiate which assignments belong to which courses (i.e. pink for English, yellow for math, etc.).

3. Review your due dates and weights (i.e. ENG essay = 20%) and input an estimated start date based on how much that assignment/test is worth. This is just a rough estimate that you can adjust as you gain a better sense of how much time you need for different types of schoolwork.

   The time needed for each assignment will be an estimation that you will likely need to adjust later. Try starting with 2 weeks for medium weightmedium-weighteded assignments/tests (i.e. 15-30%) such as short essays or lab reports.

   Use the Task Time Reflection (MS Word) to get a better sense of how you use your time.

   Use the Assignment Planner to test how feasible different timelines look for your assignment. It is not uncommon for students with disabilities to need longer timelines to accommodate possible flare-ups of health conditions.

Using Your Semester Planner Tips

Navigating Extension Requests

Having a visual reminder of when you will be working on particular coursework will help you to better anticipate times when you have multiple assignments due close together. If you need more time to process information and/or complete assignments, having this visual can be crucial to helping you proactively make extension requests. This will help you get the time you need when you need it. 

Adjusting Your Timelines

Reflect on whether or not the amount of time you gave yourself was enough. Did you feel like you had enough time to understand and complete the assignment fully? Is there anything you would like to change? Use the Task Time Reflection (MS Word) to help you determine more feasible timelines for yourself. The more you do this, the more you will have a sense of how much time you need and you will be able to plan more effectively.

Planning your semester may help you determine whether or not you are taking too many courses. Many students with disabilities take reduced course loads to accommodate varying health-related issues. Your disability consultant may be a good resource to talk to regarding an appropriate course load for your needs. Academic Advisors may also be useful people to discuss this issue with, as they can give insight as to how taking a reduced course load may affect graduation timelines.

Templates:

• Task Time Reflection (MS Word)
• Semester Planner (MS Word)

Examples of Semester Schedules

Calendar Version

Bullet Version

Outlook (Web) Calendar