New Year, New Semester: Re-Setting Your Academic Compass

January 6, 2026 | Jenny Feysa | jfeysa1@uwf.edu

staff image - Feysa — Jenny Feysa, Director of Advising, School of Education

Happy New Year, Argos, and welcome to the first day of the Spring 2026 semester!

We hope your winter break provided the "refresh" you needed. Whether you spent the holidays traveling, catching up on sleep, or simply enjoying the downtime, today marks a significant shift. The university reopened on January 5th, and as of today, January 7th, the hallways—both physical and virtual—are buzzing as the first modules go live on Canvas.

A new year often brings the urge to "start over." In the world of academic advising, we like to think of this as resetting your academic compass. Whether you are joining us on the Pensacola campus or logging in from across the country, today offers a clean slate to find your "True North."

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Here is how you can calibrate your compass for a successful Spring 2026:

1. Reflect on the "Fall Map"

Before moving forward, look back. Take 15 minutes today to reflect on your Fall performance.

What were your wins? Did you find a perfect quiet corner in the library, or did you finally master a routine for your home office?
Where did you lose the trail? Did procrastination peak in November? Did you struggle to balance your coursework with your professional or family life?

Reflection isn’t about dwelling on mistakes; it’s about using past data to improve your future route. If you have questions about your progress, check our Advising FAQs for quick answers to common concerns.

2. Set "S.M.A.R.T." Waypoints

Vague goals like "I want to do better" are hard to follow. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

For On-Campus Students: "I will spend two hours every Tuesday in the Building 85 lounge reviewing my Education notes."
For Online Students: "I will dedicate 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM every Monday and Wednesday to my online modules, working from a distraction-free space."

3. Sync Your Navigator’s Tools

A navigator is only as good as their equipment. Use this first week to get organized:

Academic Dates: Don’t miss a beat! Bookmark the Academic Dates and Deadlines page to keep track of the Drop/Add period.
Canvas & Syllabi: Transfer all exam dates and major project deadlines from your syllabi into your digital calendar. For online learners, set "check-in" reminders 48 hours before a deadline to ensure your tech is working and your questions are asked early.

4. Consult Your Guides

You don’t have to navigate your degree alone. The School of Education advisors are here to help you stay on the right path, no matter where you are located.

Need a one-on-one? You can easily schedule an appointment via Navigate to meet with us. We offer phone and Zoom appointments specifically for our distance learners!
In-Depth Planning: For detailed guides on registration, Degree Works, technology, Financial aid, etc., check the SOE extensive student resources.
General Info: For office hours and program-specific resources, visit our main Advising Home Page.

5. Start with Intentionality

The energy you bring to this first week sets the tone for the entire semester. Walk into your classrooms today or log into your online courses with a sense of purpose. You aren't just "taking classes"—you are building the foundation for your future career in education.

The break is over, the compass is set, and the path is clear. Let’s make Spring 2026 your most successful semester yet!