Spring is the busiest time of year in Arts & Letters. My calendar is full these days with performances and recitals, awards presentations, retirement receptions, and all of the last-chance meetings where we try to get things wrapped up before the summer slowdown. Spring is also budget season, and trying to figure out how best to meet possible cuts to our staffing and operating budgets is taking up much of my time as well.
Through it all, I am mindful of the fact that the spring is also challenging for our faculty, staff and students. Faculty are rushing to get in all the material they need to cover before finals. They are trying to grade papers and get them returned. They are completing assignments for assessment, various committees, and research deadlines. Staff are trying to assist students in transition, deal with dwindling budgets, and juggle the complicated schedules in their departments. And students (!) are facing major assignments, scrambling to find summer jobs or internships, and preparing for final exams.
'Tis the season!