Classroom Expectations

Secrets for Success in College - Part 1

Getting off to a good start

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College Etiquette 

In general, etiquette refers to a code, manners, or a set of rules that allow you to behave and interact correctly with others in a social environment.  

When we go into new situations, there are usually ways of interacting with others that are familiar and others that are new.  

Learning the "new" helps us be successful in meeting expectations. 

If college is a new situation for you, learning the college etiquette is essential.

College Etiquette

Make a good first impression

You might have heard that you only get one chance to make a first impression. 

A first impression is important because it forms a mental image of a person that becomes how we define who that person is. 

In college, whether interacting in the classroom with professors and peers, turning in completed assignments and tests on time, participating in an online class, or sending e-mail messages, a first impression is valuable.   

What you do in the classroom matters. 

Your behavior will not only impact your grades, but it will also impact the very important letters of recommendation that your professors can write for you if you need one. 

Below are tips about what is expected in college to help make your first impression a good one.  

College Class Do’s • Go to Class & Turn in Your Work o Determine where your class meets during the first week of classes. o Arrive early to class to find a good seat and get settled. o Online classes: Put times in your calendar each week to sit in front of your computer and work. o Online classes: log on to class on the first day and regularly after that. Some instructors require regular logins as part of your grade. o Being late for class sometimes can't be helped. Apologize to the instructor after class. o If you know you have to miss class or leave early, let your professor know in-person before class or by email as soon as possible. Most instructors allow a few absences, but your grade could be affected if you miss more that allowed. o If you do have to miss a class, ask a classmate what was discussed or for copies of notes. o Be aware of due dates and communications from your instructor. Turn in assignments by the deadlines or before. o Participate in discussion boards when scheduled. • Name it Right o What to call your instructor? Start with Professor, unless you know the person has a doctoral degree (PhD). Then use Doctor. o If you are unsure how to address someone, ask them what they prefer. • Be Attentive During Class o Ask questions when something does not make sense. o Questions and comments should be related to the discussion occurring in class. o Do not ask too many questions. o If you have many questions or do not want to ask a question during the lecture, see your professor after class or during office hours or email your professor. o Listen and read actively. o Avoid being distracted or being a distraction. o Focus on videos and presentations, and participate in discussions. o Take notes while your professor is lecturing. o If you are expecting a call during class time and will have to leave class briefly, inform your professor.
College Class Don’ts • There are just a few Don’ts o Don’t talk while your professor is lecturing or when other students are called on to speak. o Don’t sleep in class. Professors are really good at seeing everything from the front of the room. o Don’t use your phone. Turn your phone off in class, or at the very least turn the ringer completely off and put your phone away. Professors may penalize your grades if they notice you are using your phone in class. o Don’t use social media on your laptop or any device while in class. Not only will you distract yourself, but you will also distract your peers. o Don’t leave class early unless you have asked for permission first. o Don’t be afraid to ask your professor any questions you may have. • A BIG Don’t o If you miss class… Don’t ask the professor if you missed anything important – it’s all important!

If you would like to print a paper copy,

click below to access a PDF version.

College Class Do's PDF.pdf
College Don'ts PDF.pdf

Read the Syllabus

This is a picture showing what to click on to initiate close captioning (CC) and to make the video screen larger (full screen) or smaller.

Snoop Dogg Video about Reading the Syllabus

Each college class has a syllabus.

A syllabus is a document that provides information about the class - its structure, grading, resources, and rules.

Read the syllabus right away!

A syllabus should be on each of your classes' Blackboard under Start Here.

Blackboard is an online course management system Pierpont instructors and students use for information and assignments.  (See the section Navigating Blackboard in this module.)

If you cannot locate the syllabus, contact your instructor.  

Note:  Your class information, including the syllabus, will not be available on Blackboard until the first day of classes. 

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It is important for you to know the information in each of your class's syllabi. 

Depending upon the instructor, the syllabus can contain a lot or minimal information.

It can be provided to students as a handout in-person or online in Blackboard.

The first pages of a syllabus contain information about the class itself.  

For example, if the syllabus says you can miss 3 classes and you miss 4, you might get a lower grade.

It will tell you point values for assignments and tests and how your grades are calculated.

The last pages, beginning with the section titled 'Additional Institutional Information,' contain information common to all Pierpont classes and the information is the same in each syllabus.

For your information:  Below is an example of a syllabus for a College 101 class.

College 101 -HUMN 1100 Syllabus.pdf

Tips for Success

In Class

Pay Attention

Instructors usually know who is paying attention and who is not.  Use active listening techniques (ex., watching them, nodding, etc.) to let them know you are one of those who are listening to them. 


Speak Up

If you have a question, concern, comment, or suggestion make sure you speak up.  


Participate, Participate, Participate

Show up for class.  For online classes, the most successful online students log on to their Blackboard regularly or when required to complete learning activities.  Procrastinating makes your work pile up. Plus, Blackboard keeps track of when you log in, so your instructor knows when you are not showing up. 


Use Your Manners

Being polite and listening for understanding is very important.  


Communicate Your Feedback

When asked, it is beneficial to everyone to be open and honest when providing feedback to fellow students and to the instructor.  Providing examples can be helpful.

Assignments

Assignments usually make up the bulk of the points in college classes. It's important that you understand the instructions of the assignments, know how to get help, and how to keep up with assignments while you likely already have a busy schedule.


Click below to learn more.

Discussion Boards

Many classes have their students interact with each other using discussion boards on Blackboard. Discussion boards allow students to post their thoughts and reply to fellow students' thoughts on a given topic for all classmates to see.  

If one of your classes uses discussion boards, for information about this check your syllabus.  If there is no information there, contact your instructor.

For some tips on how to post on discussion boards, click below.