the clearing
a place to gather - a place to come back to no matter how far into the woods you get. it's an anchor, a place to start, a place to return to, a place to feel less alone.
if you’re feeling lost in the woods of academia, you’re invited to meet us at the clearing.
co-working
3-4 sessions a week hosted by katy, with easy ways to connect and work with other members right within the app. make it just a little easier to get to your desk with the support of people who get it.
weekly rhythms
weekly planning posts and win threads help you see the good and adjust the sticky on a regular basis. having regular check in points NOT tied to your deadlines or teaching schedule provide anchors and soften the all or nothing thinking it is easy to fall into.
seasonal offerings
the community changes as the seasons do - there’s flexibility to offer what we need to meet the moment. we’ll be offering occasional planning sessions, pop-up challenges, retreats and more.
FAQs
can i join?
if you identify as an academic, you are welcome. grad students, independent scholars, postdocs, NTT and TT faculty, higher ed professionals - if you are interested in being with like minded scholars and humans, our doors are open to you. i want this to be a place that feels welcoming, where different stages and challenges are accepted, and wisdom, encouragement ,and knowledge can be shared as a community.
can i come and go?
absolutely! i understand that resources - especially time and money - are precious, and that’s why you are in direct control of your billing. there’s no penalty for stopping and starting, just an understanding that you know what the best fit is for you at any given time.
how private can i be?
as private as you’d like! the community is run on a platform called Circle which is not tied to any social media site, nor does it require an .edu address. we have many people in the network who do not use their full, or even their real names, or are otherwise private about where they’re located, what program they’re in, or what their research is. you set your own username, location information, and profile images (should you choose one) on the site, and i’m always happy to help consult with you if you have specific concerns.
how is this different from the community (2017-2024)?
after returning from my mat leave, i realized that the community needed to evolve. the new platform gives me more flexible options for how we can gather and organize, and that’s allowed me to see how i can open up to all academics in a way that feels supportive and useful. the clearing is still not tied to social media, which remains a non-negotiable for privacy reasons. the core of the clearing remains working together, sharing resources and support, and providing anchors to check in on a regular basis - all in a shame-free, compassionate framework.
