Texan Mosaic

Author and photographer: Sofia Carrillo, COMM 2311-601 Newswriting

Free spiral-bound paper planners are available at South Plains College. A stack of them appeared on the front desk at the Lubbock Downtown Center at the start of the semester. 

But, in an anonymous spot survey, only 4 out of 35 students said they knew the planners were there. 

Out of 35 students surveyed, 14 reported that they still rely on physical planners.

“Planners help keep classes less stressful and help keep track of assignments and when you have free time,” one student wrote.

Another student wrote, “They help me keep track of the hundreds of things I have throughout the day.” 

Eight students in the survey, however, said they find digital tools more useful than paper ones.

“I found out that I didn’t end up keeping up with it as well as bringing it along with me,” one student said. “Instead, I put things in my calendar app on my phone and have a digital sticky note on my laptop that stays open with more urgent, time-sensitive events and to-dos.” 

SPC Advisor Enrique Escamilla says he’s surprised many students and adults don’t use the digital planner already available on their phones.

“Students can easily upload their syllabi,” he says, “and have their entire semester scheduled on their phones. They can then add reminders to read, complete work, or study.”

Either way, print or digital, it appears organization is the key.

Stanford University’s Teaching Commons, a website that offers resources for students and instructors, posted “Organization Strategies for Students” in 2021. One of those strategies suggests creating a realistic weekly schedule digitally or on paper because doing so can help reduce mental strain and remove the need to constantly remember tasks.  The authors point out planning for a full week rather than one day at a time gives you more time to work with.

“Pick a calendaring tool that lets you plan by the hour,” the authors write. “Include your classes and other fixed obligations like meetings, appointments, practices, and so on. Include when you’re going to eat, sleep, and exercise.” 

And, oh yes, don’t forget holidays. However, you choose to organize your schedule, — and you may want to write this down in a planner — fall break is Friday, Oct. 17.