Spring 2026
••• Print this page as your weekly semester guide •••
Note: As opportunities arise, the order of the guide may be adjusted and content may be added or removed.
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Note: As opportunities arise, the order of the guide may be adjusted and content may be added or removed.
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PHO289 - 2001 - 25574
Wednesday 2:00 PM – 5:50 PM
NLV Campus, Building A, Room 1744
Wednesday 2:00 PM – 5:50 PM
NLV Campus, Building A, Room 1744
This webpage will guide you through the course. Explore all links, read assigned materials, watch videos, and study concepts before creating your images. Information will be updated throughout the semester, so check back weekly.
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YouTube Channel
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnmqqSMwRCHGZ-ULEmtsXg?view_as=subscriber
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnmqqSMwRCHGZ-ULEmtsXg?view_as=subscriber
YouTube Playlist for the Semester
More videos will be added. Subscribe to stay up to date on new materials.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeAfR9hZHymPXTR9Sk-2S0FAbM0WyhIbY&disable_polymer=true
__________________________________________________More videos will be added. Subscribe to stay up to date on new materials.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeAfR9hZHymPXTR9Sk-2S0FAbM0WyhIbY&disable_polymer=true
“Dynamic Vision: Infrared, Intentional Motion & Zines”
Discover how to push the boundaries of photography through infrared imaging, intentional camera movement, and creative zine-making to transform the way you see and share your work.
Course Description
Explore innovative approaches to photography through infrared imaging, intentional camera movement, and zine creation. Over three five-week modules, you will experiment with capturing invisible light, creating motion-driven imagery, and designing a curated photographic zine that showcases your work and vision.
Week 1 - 1-19-2026 – 1-25-2026
Assignment: Creative Identity
Submit the completed Creative Identity document through Canvas.
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtikRGE0E7UyvYPNjU1RuZ7PmjjWN1l5/view?usp=sharing
Submit the completed Creative Identity document through Canvas.
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtikRGE0E7UyvYPNjU1RuZ7PmjjWN1l5/view?usp=sharing
Due Date
Monday, January 26, 2026 by 11:59 PM.
Early submissions are encouraged and always welcome.
Monday, January 26, 2026 by 11:59 PM.
Early submissions are encouraged and always welcome.
Class Overview
• Introduction to course structure and expectations
• Review of syllabus and semester workflow
• Overview of upcoming projects
• We begin with ICM
• We move into IR
• We conclude with Zines
• Introduction to course structure and expectations
• Review of syllabus and semester workflow
• Overview of upcoming projects
• We begin with ICM
• We move into IR
• We conclude with Zines
Week 2 - 1-26-2026 – 2-1-2026
Location Shoot: Caesars Palace
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Paradise, NV 89109
Miss class- Lose the points
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Paradise, NV 89109
Miss class- Lose the points
Class Plan
• Arrive around 2:00 PM if possible. Early arrival provides more time to warm up, make images, and ask questions.
• Meet at 3:00 PM at the Celebrity Food Hall inside Caesars Palace.
• Shoot and explore throughout class time.
• Arrive around 2:00 PM if possible. Early arrival provides more time to warm up, make images, and ask questions.
• Meet at 3:00 PM at the Celebrity Food Hall inside Caesars Palace.
• Shoot and explore throughout class time.
Parking Information
• Three hours free parking for locals.
• Some students report that setting navigation to Cheesecake Factory and parking in that deck may provide free parking. This has not been confirmed but may be worth trying.
• Three hours free parking for locals.
• Some students report that setting navigation to Cheesecake Factory and parking in that deck may provide free parking. This has not been confirmed but may be worth trying.
Reminders and Best Practices
• Charge batteries before class. If shooting with a mobile phone, bring an external battery for continuous shooting.
• Format media cards and be prepared to make a lot of images. Experimentation leads to growth.
• Make a quick image as soon as you arrive. This helps jump-start creativity and shifts the brain into image making mode.
• Have fun. Wander. Observe. Try new approaches and techniques.
• Watch what classmates are doing. Everyone will interpret the same space differently, and no two image sets will look alike.
• Charge batteries before class. If shooting with a mobile phone, bring an external battery for continuous shooting.
• Format media cards and be prepared to make a lot of images. Experimentation leads to growth.
• Make a quick image as soon as you arrive. This helps jump-start creativity and shifts the brain into image making mode.
• Have fun. Wander. Observe. Try new approaches and techniques.
• Watch what classmates are doing. Everyone will interpret the same space differently, and no two image sets will look alike.
Week 3 - 2-2-2026 – 2-8-2026
Back in the Classroom
Photoshop editing techniques and additional information on multiple exposure techniques in preparation for next week’s location shoot.
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Submit
• Five ICM images from the Caesars Palace shoot
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.(February 2 – February 8, 2026)
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.(February 2 – February 8, 2026)
File Preparation
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Example:
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Caesars Palace images:
Smith_M_Caesars1.psd
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If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Caesars Palace images:
Smith_M_Caesars1.psd
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Week 3 Call to Action
Enter the CSN Media Fest Contests today. Bring your strongest images or series for submission and feedback. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase what you are creating and share your work with the CSN audience and beyond.
Week 4 - 2-9-2026 – 2-15-2026
Location Shoot: TBA
Possible locations include Planet Hollywood, Aria, Crystals, or The Cosmopolitan. We will vote as a class to determine where we want to explore.
Possible locations include Planet Hollywood, Aria, Crystals, or The Cosmopolitan. We will vote as a class to determine where we want to explore.
Miss class - Lose the points
Overview and Focus
During this session we will explore an advanced approach to image making through previsualization and layering within a single frame. In the same location, we will work in two stages:
• First, create a clean base image that is well exposed and sharp.
• Then, shift into experimentation using intentional blur and movement to layer, blend, and mask visual elements.
During this session we will explore an advanced approach to image making through previsualization and layering within a single frame. In the same location, we will work in two stages:
• First, create a clean base image that is well exposed and sharp.
• Then, shift into experimentation using intentional blur and movement to layer, blend, and mask visual elements.
Combining multiple exposures can reveal strengths from each frame, creating richer and more expressive results. The more you play, experiment, and review, the stronger your concepts, skills, and personal vision will become.
Preparation Notes
• Be ready to make images as soon as we arrive on location.
• Have gear organized, media cards formatted, and batteries charged.
• Bring an idea, technique, or visual experiment you want to explore.
• Be ready to make images as soon as we arrive on location.
• Have gear organized, media cards formatted, and batteries charged.
• Bring an idea, technique, or visual experiment you want to explore.
Week 5 - 2-16-2026 – 2-22-2026
Editing and Printing Day
We will be back in the classroom to edit and print work from our ICM adventures. Prepare your files and be ready to work through selections, adjustments, and printing decisions.
We will be back in the classroom to edit and print work from our ICM adventures. Prepare your files and be ready to work through selections, adjustments, and printing decisions.
What to Bring
• Image files from recent shoots
• Paper for printing (8.5 x 11 preferred for class frames)
• Image files from recent shoots
• Paper for printing (8.5 x 11 preferred for class frames)
Paper Notes
• Epson paper works well.
• If you plan to use a different paper, let me know in advance so we can confirm that the correct ICC profile is installed on the computers.
• Epson paper works well.
• If you plan to use a different paper, let me know in advance so we can confirm that the correct ICC profile is installed on the computers.
Printing and Presentation
• I have frames available for 8.5 x 11 prints if you choose to print at that size.
• If you want to print larger, that is perfectly fine.
• Larger prints must be presented cleanly in professional frames with mats cut to image size.
• I have frames available for 8.5 x 11 prints if you choose to print at that size.
• If you want to print larger, that is perfectly fine.
• Larger prints must be presented cleanly in professional frames with mats cut to image size.
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Submit
• Five ICM images from last week’s class shoot or images made during the week. (February 2 – February 8, 2026)
• Five ICM images from last week’s class shoot or images made during the week. (February 2 – February 8, 2026)
Images from our first shoot project are not accepted for this submission. To grow as a photographer, practice and exploration are essential. The more you make, the more you see.
File Preparation
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Example:
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Caesars Palace images:
Smith_M_Caesars1.psd
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Caesars Palace images:
Smith_M_Caesars1.psd
Week 6 - 2-23-2026 – 3-1-2026
Introduction to IR Photography
Overview of infrared capture, exposure considerations, filters, and creative approaches. We will discuss practical shooting tips and how to adapt between visible light and infrared workflows.
Overview of infrared capture, exposure considerations, filters, and creative approaches. We will discuss practical shooting tips and how to adapt between visible light and infrared workflows.
Remainder of Class Time
Hang and review images from our ICM adventures. We will look at selections, pacing, and sequencing to begin refining ideas for future prints and projects.
Title ideas, What are yours?
• Movement Lab
• Motion Studies and Experiments
• ICM Field Work
Hang and review images from our ICM adventures. We will look at selections, pacing, and sequencing to begin refining ideas for future prints and projects.
Title ideas, What are yours?
• Movement Lab
• Motion Studies and Experiments
• ICM Field Work
-We will talk about exhibiting the work, professionalism and more.
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Submit
The work you submit this week can come from any ICM shoot from class or from independent shooting outside of class. Presentation images may include work already submitted. Our goal this week is to pull together a cohesive series of images for exhibition.
The work you submit this week can come from any ICM shoot from class or from independent shooting outside of class. Presentation images may include work already submitted. Our goal this week is to pull together a cohesive series of images for exhibition.
•6 layered digital files
•6 printed images 8.5x11
- We will hand sign these in class with a pigment ink pen.
• Series Statement
Share with your audience what the series is about. What was your concept and what were you trying to accomplish. Write 3 to 5 sentences and submit as a Word document.
•6 printed images 8.5x11
- We will hand sign these in class with a pigment ink pen.
• Series Statement
Share with your audience what the series is about. What was your concept and what were you trying to accomplish. Write 3 to 5 sentences and submit as a Word document.
File Preparation
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Example:
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting ICM:
Smith_M_ICM1.psd
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting ICM:
Smith_M_ICM1.psd
Because this is a series, you may title each work individually for submission. You must still include your name.
Examples:
Smith_M_TheFall.psd
Smith_M_RoundTheCorner.psd
etc.
Smith_M_TheFall.psd
Smith_M_RoundTheCorner.psd
etc.
Week 7 - 3-2-2026 – 3-8-2026
Location Shoot: Floyd Lamb Park
Park Info: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Floyd-Lamb-Park
Park Info: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Floyd-Lamb-Park
Address
9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131
9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131
Miss class - Lose the points
Entry and Parking Notes
• Entrance fee is 6 dollars per vehicle, payable by debit or credit card at the gatehouse.
• We may meet outside the park and drive in as a group to reduce entrance fees. We will discuss this plan in class prior to the shoot.
• Entrance fee is 6 dollars per vehicle, payable by debit or credit card at the gatehouse.
• We may meet outside the park and drive in as a group to reduce entrance fees. We will discuss this plan in class prior to the shoot.
Focus for the Session
• First IR outing of the semester
• Exploration of IR exposure, filtration, and field workflow
• Scouting and framing with an IR mindset
• First IR outing of the semester
• Exploration of IR exposure, filtration, and field workflow
• Scouting and framing with an IR mindset
Recommended Gear
• 720 NM IR filter
• Mobile device filter and tripod mounting solution (if applicable)
• Tripod if using a DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Charged batteries and external battery for mobile shooting
• Formatted media cards
• Curiosity and an adventure mindset
• 720 NM IR filter
• Mobile device filter and tripod mounting solution (if applicable)
• Tripod if using a DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Charged batteries and external battery for mobile shooting
• Formatted media cards
• Curiosity and an adventure mindset
Week 8 - 3-9-2026 – 3-15-2026
Editing and Review
Back in the classroom for editing and refining images from our IR outing. We will review techniques, workflow approaches, and answer questions as you continue to develop your IR skills.
Back in the classroom for editing and refining images from our IR outing. We will review techniques, workflow approaches, and answer questions as you continue to develop your IR skills.
Optional Printing
Printing will be available for those who wish to begin making physical proofs or test prints. This is a good time to evaluate tonal range, contrast, and detail for future final prints or zine layouts.
Printing will be available for those who wish to begin making physical proofs or test prints. This is a good time to evaluate tonal range, contrast, and detail for future final prints or zine layouts.
Reminders
• Bring paper if you plan to print
• Bring portable hard drives for file storage and backup
• Continue organizing, selecting, and refining images for future projects
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• Bring paper if you plan to print
• Bring portable hard drives for file storage and backup
• Continue organizing, selecting, and refining images for future projects
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Submit
• Five IR images from Floyd Lamb Park
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.
• Five IR images from Floyd Lamb Park
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.
File Preparation
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Example:
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your images:
Smith_M_Park1.psd
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your images:
Smith_M_Park1.psd
Spring Break - 3-16-2026 – 3-22-2026
Week 9 - 3-23-2026 – 3-29-2026
Location Shoot: TBA
Possible locations include Red Rock Canyon, Springs Preserve, Sunset Park, or the Bird Preserve. We will vote on the final location during Week 8.
Possible locations include Red Rock Canyon, Springs Preserve, Sunset Park, or the Bird Preserve. We will vote on the final location during Week 8.
Miss class - Lose the points
Focus for the Session
Site-specific IR exploration and continued experimentation with filters, exposure, movement, and interpretation of natural and built environments.
Site-specific IR exploration and continued experimentation with filters, exposure, movement, and interpretation of natural and built environments.
What to Bring
• Filters
• Tripod
• Batteries and external power (if applicable)
• Media cards
• Whatever tools or accessories you need to bring your vision to life
• Filters
• Tripod
• Batteries and external power (if applicable)
• Media cards
• Whatever tools or accessories you need to bring your vision to life
Week 10 - 3-30-2026 – 4-5-2026
MediaFest - CSN Media Tech Building
March 31 – April 2, 2026
Photo Day: April 2, 2026
March 31 – April 2, 2026
Photo Day: April 2, 2026
Class is expected to attend MediaFest during class time.
Miss class - Lose the points
Miss class - Lose the points
Schedule Highlight
A detailed MediaFest schedule will be announced two weeks prior. Plan to attend the Thursday morning reception featuring artist Linda Alterwitz and her installation Injection Site.
A detailed MediaFest schedule will be announced two weeks prior. Plan to attend the Thursday morning reception featuring artist Linda Alterwitz and her installation Injection Site.
Thursday 10am Event
• Artist Talk: Linda Alterwitz
• Installation: Injection Site
• Coffee and Donut Reception
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Media Tech Lobby and The Image Gallery
• Artist Talk: Linda Alterwitz
• Installation: Injection Site
• Coffee and Donut Reception
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Media Tech Lobby and The Image Gallery
Week 11 - 4-6-2026 – 4-12-2026
Editing and Printing
Back in the classroom to continue editing IR images and make prints. We will also update and refine our ICM display.
Back in the classroom to continue editing IR images and make prints. We will also update and refine our ICM display.
Introduction to Zines
Overview of zine formats, sequencing strategies, pacing, and printing considerations as we move toward final projects.
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Overview of zine formats, sequencing strategies, pacing, and printing considerations as we move toward final projects.
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Submit
• Five IR images from Week 9 class shoot
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.
• Five IR images from Week 9 class shoot
If you shot again this week, you may include images from the current week in your submission.
File Preparation
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
Save your master file, then duplicate and size the duplicate to the following specifications:
• PSD file
• 3000 pixels on the longest side
• 240 PPI
• 8 Bit
File Naming Guidelines
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Format:
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName1.extension
LastName_FirstInitial_ProjectName2.extension
etc.
Example:
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Week 9 location images:
Smith_M_location1.psd
If your name is Mary Smith and you are submitting your Week 9 location images:
Smith_M_location1.psd
Week 12 - 4-13-2026 – 4-19-2026
Zine Making 101
One–Page, 8–Panel Mini Zine (Mini Book) Description
A one–page, 8–panel mini zine is a micro publication created from a single sheet of paper, folded and trimmed to form eight sequential pages. Once folded, the sheet becomes a small booklet with a front cover, back cover, and six interior pages. The format is commonly used for experimental publications, artist zines, quick storytelling, poetry, sequential photography, character studies, and visual essays.
A one–page, 8–panel mini zine is a micro publication created from a single sheet of paper, folded and trimmed to form eight sequential pages. Once folded, the sheet becomes a small booklet with a front cover, back cover, and six interior pages. The format is commonly used for experimental publications, artist zines, quick storytelling, poetry, sequential photography, character studies, and visual essays.
This format encourages economy of storytelling. Each panel must contribute to the narrative, sequence, or visual idea. Because it uses only one sheet of paper and requires no binding materials, it is fast and low cost to produce. This makes it ideal for iteration, small editions, trading, and distribution.
Activity for the Week
Bring your hard drive filled with images.
Select eight images for your mini zine. You may choose seven or six images if you want to use one or more panels for text.
Bring your hard drive filled with images.
Select eight images for your mini zine. You may choose seven or six images if you want to use one or more panels for text.
Consider:
• Do you want text
• Do you need text
• Will you add your name or social handle
• Will you include a QR code
• How might you use this mini zine
Is it a calling card, a promo piece, or something to share with friends, clients, or strangers
• Do you want text
• Do you need text
• Will you add your name or social handle
• Will you include a QR code
• How might you use this mini zine
Is it a calling card, a promo piece, or something to share with friends, clients, or strangers
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Template
Mini Book: One–Page Folded Zine Template
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vfnad89rbIMLA7II01sKJ5YIBgyYTA8L/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vfnad89rbIMLA7II01sKJ5YIBgyYTA8L/view?usp=sharing
Zine Basics: From Idea to Object
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vfnad89rbIMLA7II01sKJ5YIBgyYTA8L/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vfnad89rbIMLA7II01sKJ5YIBgyYTA8L/view?usp=sharing
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Submit
• Printed, folded mini zine
• Digital file as a JPG sized to 8.5 x 11 inches at 300 PPI
• Printed, folded mini zine
• Digital file as a JPG sized to 8.5 x 11 inches at 300 PPI
Week 13 - 4-20-2026 – 4-26-2026
This Week
We will explore pamphlet zines using stapled, sewn, and single page stab binding techniques.
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We will explore pamphlet zines using stapled, sewn, and single page stab binding techniques.
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Attendance and Participation is your grade this week
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Assignment - Zine Trade - Due Finals Week
Create an edition of 20 zines. Formats may include mini, pamphlet, or accordion. We will trade with each class member and your professor. You will walk away with zines from everyone in the class, a fun way to begin or grow your zine collection and to learn from each other’s sequencing, design, and storytelling choices.
Create an edition of 20 zines. Formats may include mini, pamphlet, or accordion. We will trade with each class member and your professor. You will walk away with zines from everyone in the class, a fun way to begin or grow your zine collection and to learn from each other’s sequencing, design, and storytelling choices.
Submit
• Edition of 20 finished printed zines (for the trade)
• Complete digital zine file (format depends on your workflow: JPG, PSD, or INDD)
• Edition of 20 finished printed zines (for the trade)
• Complete digital zine file (format depends on your workflow: JPG, PSD, or INDD)
Week 14 - 4-27-2026 – 5-3-2026
Work on zines and hang show
Week 15 - 5-4-2026 – 5-10-2026
Zine Making - Prepare for tonights opening reception 5-6:30.
Week 16 - 5-11-2026 – 5-17-2026
End of the semester wrap up