Full Title: Sustainable Productivity in Academia: Practical Strategies for Efficiency and Balance
Endorsed by: GSA's Environmental and Engineering Geology, Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology, Planetary Geology Divisions
Industry tracks: Economic Geology, Energy, Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology
Led by: Deborah Coyle, Amanda Godbold
Date: Fri.-Sat. 17-18 Oct. 2025
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Format: In-Person
CEUs: 1.6
Our workshop is devoted to providing the knowledge and tools to encourage sustainable productivity while promoting personal balance. Academia presents unique challenges—balancing research, teaching, grant writing, mentorship, and administrative responsibilities—all while maintaining high scholarly output. Without structured approaches to work management, these competing demands can lead to inefficiency, stress, and burnout. Traditional productivity frameworks often fail to address the specific needs of academics, leaving many to struggle with prioritization, long-term planning, and maintaining motivation. This workshop provides evidence-based, academia-specific strategies to help early and mid-career scholars improve task management, align projects with long-term goals, and optimize their workflows. We will introduce practical tools, including a task management system, time-blocking strategies, risk mitigation plans, and communication frameworks, all designed for real-world academic application. Through hands-on exercises, case studies, and structured discussions, participants will build personalized systems tailored to their specific needs. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a fully developed three-month plan, ensuring they have actionable strategies and concrete systems they can immediately implement. Our focus is not just on increasing efficiency but also on creating sustainable habits that enhance well-being and prevent burnout, setting participants up for long-term success in academia.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person course.
Short courses offer continuing education units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Learn more about this and other GSA Connects 2025 events.
For additional information, please contact Rebecca Taormina, rtaormina@geosociety.org, GSA Field Trip and Short Program Coordinator.
Product Code: SC25CN524
Product Category: SHORTC