HOW TO GET ALONG WITH YOUR PROFESSOR Rivier College Counseling Center

Professors are not like High School Teachers  Welcome to college level education. Things are a bit different here than they were in high school.  This presentation will help you to understand how things are different and how to make the most of your time at Rivier College.

The Prime Directive  Go To Class! It seems like a simple thing but many professors will not take attendance and you may be tempted to spend more time sleeping in. It seems like a simple thing but many professors will not take attendance and you may be tempted to spend more time sleeping in.

Violating the Prime Directive  Professors may say they don’t care about class attendance. Don’t believe it! They notice who’s there and who’s not. They notice who’s there and who’s not. They make decisions about who they will help and whom they will not. They make decisions about who they will help and whom they will not.

Now That You’re in Class  Be Prepared Have a notebook and something to write with. Bring any books or articles that are part of the lecture.  Being prepared communicates interest

Sit in the Front  Hard to believe, but there is a positive correlation between sitting in the front and getting better grades.  The more active you are in class, the more you will learn.

Don’t Be Late  Being late is often disruptive  The first few minutes of a class are often used for important announcements… changes in the syllabus changes in the syllabus changes in assignments changes in assignments

Better Late Than Never  Watch how the professor responds to others who are late, then guide your actions accordingly  During the first class you may ask your professor about his preferences about this.

Flat tire, sick child, etc.  If emergencies arise and you must miss class: Leave a message for the professor (e.g. voic , , etc.) Leave a message for the professor (e.g. voic , , etc.)  Get notes from someone you trust  You may also want to visit the professor during office hours to catch up on things.

What Do Professors Want From Me?  They expect you to read the syllabus  Keep up with assignments  They expect you to be happy to be there  Participation in class discussions

What Do I Want From Them?  An A  No reading, no assignments, no projects, no tests.  A teaching style consistent with my personal needs  To be treated like I am their only student

How To Be a Model Student  Attend every class  Come prepared for the lecture  Participate in discussions  Be respectful and courteous

Why Would Anyone Do That?  If your futures so bright that you have to wear shades…….. –Professors will be the ones to write letters of recommendation for jobs, summer internships, research opportunities, grad school applications, student honor societies, etc. - the better they know you…………..

Any Other Reasons?  They can help you with difficult parts of the class  They can cut you some slack if something unexpected happens in your life.

Do’s and Don’ts for Meetings  Do be on time  Do be prepared with specific questions, issues, concerns  Do address them appropriately and pronounce their names correctly  Don’t whine  Don’t put the blame for your lack of understanding on their abilities as an instructor  Don’t discuss a grade when you are angry. Present your questions and concerns politely, but don’t expect the world to change.

What Else Do I Need To Know?  Get assignments in on time  Earthquakes, floods, fires and catastrophes are the only good excuses for not having planned well enough to be on time.  There is a definite relationship between students who do poorly on tests, receive low final grades, or fail courses, and those who turn assignments in late.

Keep A Positive Attitude  Find a way to make each class important and interesting to you  Plan ahead and keep ahead so that you can ask for the help you need  If something is hard, don’t stop or give up----Get Help!

What Help?  Tutoring  Writing Center at ext  Special Needs Office at ext  Self Management (stress, time, etc)

And Last, but not least….. Counseling Resources  Currently enrolled full time Rivier students may call or stop by the Counseling Center for an appointment. Counseling is free and confidential. Extension 8251  We have an extensive resource library and area referrals for any Rivier student, full or part time.