Course Syllabus, Classroom Etiquette. & Talking to your Professor

Reading a Course Syllabus

   A course syllabus is a contract between you and your professor saying that you know what is expected of you and from the course. When reading your syllabus there are a few key things to pay special attention to like, course information, professor contact information, class schedule, course policies, and grades. Always keep your syllabus throughout the semester as you will be referring to it often. It may also be a good idea to highlight or star important these important things. 

Classroom Etiquette 

   Being polite and respectful in your classrooms is very important and shows maturity. The book gives ten tips on proper classroom etiquette: 

1. get to class on time
2. stay in class until it is finished
3. leave your cellphone on silent
4. refrain from texting, instant messaging, surfing the Internet, using social media, or iPods during class
5. don't hold private conversations during lecture
6. address the professor in a respectful way
7. don't eat or drink in class
8. keep your questions and comments in balance
9. cool down before confronting a professor
10. ask permission before recording lectures 

   When in class always remember that you, contrary to the popular beliefs of many young adults, aren't the only person in class. People notice when you're texting, tweeting, or talking and those things are distracting to others and the professor. 

Talking to your Professor 

   Getting to know your professor is a very important skill to learn throughout your college experience. Getting to know your professors and them you (and getting on their good side) will help you feel more comfortable in class and could help your grade too. To make a good impression on your professor you should:

• Show up to class every day
• Be on time
• Come prepared to class
• Pay attention in class
• Turn assignments in on time, having followed the instructions 
• If you aren't able to turn something in or take a test on time, don't lie about why
• Don't make the professor be your only resource
• Have a good attitude

General Education and Graduation Plans

 General Education   

 General education are classes that every student is required to take in order to graduate. The five areas required are computer literacy, English, math, american institutions, science, and for an associates or bachelor of arts a foreign language is required. 
   The things people learn in general education is very valuable and useful. The book lists some reasons why general education is required, this is a few of them that I found especially helpful: 

• you learn to think in different ways 
• it helps you see your options
• to discover new interests 
• to get a foundation for learning
• to enhance key intellectual and practical skills
• to get exposures to knowledge and methods of various disciplines 

   
   Sometimes general education classes can also fulfill classes required for your major. So, when picking what  GE classes to take it is very important to look out for those so that you can kill two birds with one stone. Sometimes your major will suggest specific GE courses for you to take, to find out which classes those would be it would be a good idea to meet with your academic adviser. Another good thing to keep in mind when registering for classes is that specific GE courses may be pre-requisites to required courses. 

Graduation Plans

   A graduation plan is a list of all the courses you plan to take each semester in order to graduate. Having a graduation plan in place ensures that you aren't floundering, wasting your time, and money. Without a plan in place you could end up having to take another semester that you didn't think you would have to. It is a very good idea to meet with an academic adviser in your major to help you determine what classes would be good to take.