Faculty Expectations @UW-Parkside
- Reading the syllabus
- College instructors usually use a syllabus to communicate to students what the expectations of the course are. A syllabus usually:
- Gives an overview of the course. Tells you what students are expected to know at the end of the course. Tells you what textbooks and other materials you will need.Gives instructor contact information.
- Gives a description of assignments and exams.
- Many instructors open the class with a review of the syllabus. At that time you should:
- Highlight key information, such as due dates and deadlines.
- Ask any questions about the course set-up.
- Put your syllabus in your class notebook.
- You should also transfer all deadlines and due dates to your day planner or calendar.
You should refer to your syllabus throughout the semester.
- Going to class regularly and being on time
- Attendance and grading policies will usually be explained the first day of class and in the syllabus. However, if attendance is not part of your grade, your instructors still expect to see you in class. You never know when the professor will mention something important about an exam or assignment!
- Being an active learner
- Listen and ask questions in class, take notes manually or through a note taker, and participate in class discussions.
- Reading the assigned materials before class.
- When assignments are listed for specific days, this usually means that the assignment is due on that day. For example, class readings for a given day should be read before you go to class.
- Asking your professor if you have questions
- Read the syllabus to find out when your professors have office hours and visit them during these scheduled hours.
- Be prepared when you go to see them by having specific questions to ask them.
- Don’t ask them to give their lecture again. Instead, ask for clarification on a specific point .
- Check the syllabus for your professor’s late policy. Some professors will not accept late assignments at all while others deduct points for each day the assignment is late.
- If you can’t make the deadline, contact your professor as fara ahead of time as possible and find out if you can have an extension.
- Not all professors will give extensions but some may give extensions based on extenuating circumstances.
- If you are a student who regularly attends, turns in assignments on time, is attentive in class and shows a genuine desire to do well, your professor may take these into account when considering an extension. If you miss or are late for class and assignments, don’t expect consideration.
- Being respectful in class.
- DO NOT talk on cell phones, text message, sleep in class, pack up before class has ended and surf the Web during class.
- Don’t talk to others during a lecture unless the instructor has told you to do so.
