Senioritis: Real or placebo?
As graduation approaches, seniors are counting down the days until they receive their diplomas. But why is it that seniors lose drive when they are so close to the finish line?
According to research by the Global Community for Academic Advising, senioritis is "characterized by tendencies such as arriving late or skipping class, decreased motivation, or behaving irresponsibly by investing little effort in schoolwork.”
The article blames post-graduation expectations, pressure to find a job, and shifting identity for this phenomenon.
Dr. Jerome Hammond, associate professor of human development, debates the reality of senioritis.
“‘Senioritis’ isn't a psychological concept, but the student experience is real. Developmentally, the final year of college usually happens right at a transition point. By then, most students have a good idea of who they are and what they want in life. It can feel like they're on the cusp of something they've waited 20 years to experience. So, near the end of the college experience, students naturally feel like all signals are telling them, it’s time to be an adult.’ Once graduation is safely within reach, school can feel like something of the past,” said Hammond.
Hammond explains the origin of the issue.
“Psychologically, seniors are already beginning to shift from the identity of students to whatever comes next. Attention moves toward jobs, graduate school, relationships, and adult life. At the same time, many are simply tired. After three, four, or five years of sustained effort, motivation naturally dips when the finish line is in view,” said Hammond.
Kaylee Slater, a nursing major, addresses the struggle of motivation during her senior year.
“It's hard for me to stay motivated because the nursing program requires a lot of you. It's a lot of out-of-class time, studying for state exams, like the ATIS and NCLEX, and our state boards. At the end, we have clinical hours…We have classes and clinicals at the same time, plus clinical paperwork, a lot of things going on at once. It's very overwhelming,” Slater said.
Slater finds everyday joys and healthy habits to fuel her during this busy semester.
“I would say coffee. I always tell myself I'm gonna take a nap, and I never do — I'll have coffee instead. I love going to the gym, taking walks and drives — really anything to get me outdoors to give me a break from being in a lecture hall or clinical,” said Slater.
Slater is also preparing for life after college while trying to live in the moment at Lee.
“I have a lot to look forward to, but it is overwhelming looking ahead while also trying to plant my feet where they are right now,” Slater said.
Other students are focusing on a calm end to their academic studies.
“I am making sure I'm doing my work on time this semester and keeping up with my schedule. I’m also making time for my friends which I haven't been able to do in previous years,” said Grace Maslak, senior psychology major. “Finishing peacefully means I've done everything I wanted to at Lee and know what the next step is after college.”
Hammond advises students who are struggling with senioritis to shift their mindset.
“Think of senior year as the first step into the next stage of life. Ask, ‘How can Lee now help me make a good first step into my next stage?’ By doing that, the people, the experiences, and the opportunities in their senior year can seem like valuable resources,” he said. “Professors become life coaches. Friends look like a diverse and powerful network. Classes can feel more like an opportunity rather than an obligation. With that perspective, college is the opportunity to access so many invaluable experiences and world-class expertise.”
For those struggling with senioritis, Lee has many resources for student success. The Lee University Counseling Center exists to provide professional counseling and psychological services to support the development of Lee University students. The Center for Calling and Career is also equipped to help students prepare for post-graduation.
