Syllabus 101
This document is basically the "instruction manual" for your college course.
What is a syllabus?
This tool can help you keep track of exams, assignments, appointments, and other commitments.
What is a calendar/planner?
This is a designated time when you can meet with your professor outside of class.
What are office hours?
True or False: Going to class is still important in college, even if attendance isn't always required.
What is True?
You receive a grade you aren't happy with. What's the first thing you should do?
What is figure out what you missed and how you can improve?
Name ONE thing you should look for on your syllabus before the semester gets busy.
What are the assignment/exam dates, grading policies, attendance policies, late-work policies, or required materials?
You have a 10-page paper due in three weeks. Which strategy is best?
A) Wait until the night before.
B) Break it into smaller tasks and spread them out.
C) Ask your roommate to write it.
D) Hope the deadline changes.
What is B-
*Teaching point: The library has the writing center, where students can review, get help starting a paper, and get tips to improve. *
Which email is most appropriate?
A. “Hey, I don't get this. Help.”
B. “What did we do today?”
C. “Hello Professor Smith, I had a question about the assignment…”
D. “Yo Professor”
What is C?
*Remember the 3 P’s:*
Name TWO things you should figure out during your first week on campus.
What are your classrooms, dining options, transportation, campus resources, library, student organizations, academic support, or other campus locations?
True or False: If you receive a bad grade on your first exam, you should immediately assume you're going to fail the course.
What is False?
Your professor says, "Office hours are by appointment or drop-ins. " Where would you most likely find this information?
What is the syllabus?
You have three exams, a paper, work, and a social event all happening in the same week. What do you do first?
What is look at everything you have coming up and prioritize your time?
You don't understand a concept after class. What is generally a better strategy than silently hoping you figure it out?
What is asking the professor, attending office hours, or seeking academic support?
*Teaching point: There are academic tutoring sessions for specific classes, group tutoring "study tables," and always ask questions; never be afraid. *
You're feeling overwhelmed during your first few weeks. What's the BEST approach?
A. Pretend everything is fine.
B. Isolate yourself.
C. Talk to someone and use available resources.
D. Wait until finals.
What is C?
*Teaching points: Anita and Matt, our counselors, if you need anything for free, all you need to do is send an email with your availability, and they are available to you throughout your 4 years!*
You don't understand the material after studying by yourself. Name TWO resources you could use.
What are professor office hours, tutoring, study groups, academic support, classmates, supplemental instruction, or the library?
Your syllabus says an assignment is due at 11:59 p.m on Friday. You submit it at 12:03 a.m Saturday. What should you have checked BEFORE the deadline?
What is the late-work/late-submission policy?
True or False: If a class meets for three hours per week, you should expect that those three hours are generally the ONLY time you need to spend on the course.
What is False?
*Teaching point: College courses typically require work outside of class, including reading, studying, assignments, and preparation.*
Your professor hasn't responded to your email after 30 minutes. What should you do?
What is wait and give them reasonable time to respond?
*Teaching point: Professors have classes, meetings, research, grading, and other responsibilities. *
True or False: Asking for help during college is a sign that you aren't prepared for college.
What is False?
*Teaching point: Successful students use resources. Asking early is often much easier than trying to recover later. You have Heather and Shellsea, who have been working with you closely all summer, and don't be afraid to talk to the upperclassmen. *
Which is generally a better study strategy?
A. Read your notes once the night before.
B. Study for five hours straight the night before.
C. Review material regularly and practice retrieving what you've learned.
D. Highlight everything.
What is C?
*Teaching point: It takes a while to figure out your study techniques, but don't overlook YouTube videos, some not all but TikToks, and lean on your peers!!*
Your professor doesn't mention an assignment in class, but the syllabus says it is due Friday. What should you do?
What is complete the assignment and follow your syllabus?
*Teaching moment: Professors do not verbally remind you about every deadline*
You have an exam Wednesday, a paper Thursday, and a group project Friday. You also have practice Tuesday night. What is the BEST approach?
What is it to make a plan in advance, prioritize deadlines, and schedule specific times to work on each task?
You realize you're going to miss an important deadline because of a legitimate problem. When should you contact your professor?
What is as soon as you know there may be a problem as soon as you know—not after the deadline has passed?
You're struggling academically AND you're having trouble adjusting socially. What's one good first step?
What is reaching out to someone you trust and connecting with appropriate campus resources?
*AKA Your OAs, Heather & Shellsea, you have Amy (in charge of the women's center), Gina (in charge of res life), and academic advisors!!!
You realize halfway through the semester that you're struggling in a class. What's the WORST strategy?
What is doing nothing and hoping it gets better?
*Teaching point: Reach out early. The earlier you ask for help, the more options you generally have.*