Student Success Tips

  1. Use the correct title when addressing your instructors. Doctor or Professor is appropriate for me, while Mr. or Ms. is not. If you're not sure what to call your other professors, ask them!
  2. Identify yourself when you contact your instructors by phone or email. Always include your name and which class (and section) you are in. I can't necessarily tell who you are just by your email address.
  3. Check the syllabus before asking basic course questions. Office hours, policies, due dates, etc. can be found there. Be on top of this information! There is no excuse for "not knowing" when something is due.
  4. If I ask you to staple your work, then staple your work. I failed the graduate school classes where they taught us stapling, so please help me out here.
  5. Come ask questions when you need to. My reason for being here is to help you learn. I will try to help you if you ask. It's what you are paying for.
  6. Attend class. Attendance is not optional, even if it doesn't formally contribute to your grade. If it were optional, there would be no point in having class.
  7. Arrive on time. Walking in to class late is not only disruptive to me and other students, but it also conveys a lack of respect for the class.
  8. Participate in class. Ask questions, share experiences, raise your hand. If you don't like speaking up in front of a large class, you can still talk with me outside of class. The point is that you should show that you are paying attention, thinking, and learning.
  9. Pay attention during class. You should not be talking to classmates or texting people during class. If you cannot focus on a lecture for 50 to 75 minutes, you do not belong in college.
  10. Take responsibility for yourself. Don't make excuses. If you don't understand something, come ask about it. If you didn't do well on a test, go over it with me and evaluate your own study habits. You have to spend time and effort to improve your performance.
  11. Work on your grades DURING the semester. Do not try to beg for "extra work" at the end of the semester. You should be aware of your grades all semester and work on them during the time you are given for that.
  12. Do all of your own work unless you are specifically told otherwise. In other words, do not work on assignments with a friend. You will be turned in for academic dishonesty for this.

These webpages are in no manner representative of official University policy, positions, or the University in general. Likewise, official University policy, positions, and the University in general do not necessarily represent my views.
©2019 Wendy Braje