The UTA School of Social Work's Office of Research is encouraging faculty, staff, administrators and postdoctoral scholars to make meaningful progress on professional and scholarly goals through SummerWISE: Projects & Scholarship in Flight.
Designed as a self-directed summer accountability collective, SummerWISE combines protected project time, community support and reflection to help participants maintain momentum on important work amid competing responsibilities.
According to Dr. Tonya Hansel, the initiative was inspired by a common challenge faced by many professionals: finding dedicated time to focus on meaningful projects while balancing daily demands.
"SummerWISE emphasizes implementation over inspiration," Hansel said. "The goal is to help participants translate ideas into action through consistent accountability, protected focus time and supportive community engagement."
The UTA School of Social Work and Smart Hospital Building. (Photo by Natanael Mazariego)
The program's travel theme reflects the reality that progress is rarely a straight path. Participants identify a destination goal, travel through weekly destinations, participate in Work Flights and collect Passport Stamps that recognize effort, reflection, adaptation and progress.
Hansel said the initiative aligns with the School of Social Work's commitment to research, innovation, continuous improvement and professional growth. The program recognizes that advancing the school's mission depends not only on scholarship and research, but also on the operational, administrative and strategic work that supports long-term impact.
A key message woven throughout SummerWISE is "momentum over perfection."
"We wanted to create a culture where effort, reflection, adaptation and consistency are valued just as much as completion," Hansel said. "By focusing on momentum, participants can celebrate small wins, adjust when challenges arise and continue moving forward rather than feeling stalled by the pursuit of perfection."
Participants are encouraged to identify one primary goal for the summer, helping reduce overwhelm and create clarity around where to invest their time and energy. Goals may range from manuscripts and grant proposals to workflow redesigns, assessment initiatives or professional development projects.
Throughout the nine-week journey, accountability, reflection and community support work together to help participants sustain progress while remaining flexible enough to accommodate varying schedules and responsibilities.
While participants are expected to make meaningful progress toward their goals, Hansel said the most important outcome is the development of sustainable habits that extend beyond the summer months.
"Success in SummerWISE is not defined by checking every item off a list," Hansel said. "Instead, it is measured by increased momentum, greater confidence in navigating complex projects, and a deeper understanding of how accountability and reflection can support long-term growth."
The SummerWISE journey runs through July 31 and is designed to help participants build practical strategies, renewed energy and a stronger foundation for advancing their scholarly, professional and organizational goals.