by Nancy L. Baumann

Created on: May 08, 2010

YOUR COLLEGE PROFESSOR:  FRIEND OR FOE?

It’s the first day of class and you’ve been inundated with information, shocked by the syllabus, and are daunted by the course demands.  Your professor spent the entire period covering the course contents and emphasizing the strict regimen of reading and requirements, and offered no hint of flexibility.   What do you do now? 

In order to get the most out of your college professor, get to know them, and allow them to get to know you.  Don’t be another face in a sea of new students.  It is difficult for your professors to distinguish one student from another, especially in large classes, even though that’s our desire.  Make yourself stand out.

When class is over, approach the professor and introduce yourself, then request some individual time with them.  You might say something like, “I noticed you have office hours this afternoon.  May I stop by to be sure I understood everything that’s required for this class?”  Then go!  You will soon learn that the only reason professors are there, is to help you get an education.  We love for our students to stop by, to ask questions and clarify points of confusion, especially if it feels too vulnerable for you to do so in class.

After that, exchange greetings when you enter class, but don’t run to your professor or email them every time you grapple with a concept.  Do your best to reason things out on your own, and then if you still have a question, by all means contact them.  Remember that your late study hours are not the same as our work hours, so respect your professor’s schedule. 

Professors are more inclined to be helpful if you attend class.  We spend a lot of time preparing a meaningful syllabus and class discussions, and if you are a continual “no-show,” then chances are what you need help with was already covered in class.  Go to class, and when you get there, be prepared.  Know what’s required for each class period and be prepared to participate.

Finally, in addition to getting to know your professors and attending your classes, turn in all your assignments when they are due.  Don’t try to make excuses for late or sloppy work.  We don’t care if your boy/girlfriend broke up with you or if your roommate used the last of the printer paper.  It’s your responsibility to be prepared and to demonstrate a healthy, growing knowledge of your course material.  Aim high.  Get it done, on time, no matter what.

College professors have a lot of leeway when assigning final grades, and if you have taken the time to get to know them, have attended class on a regular basis, and have given your best effort on all your exams and assignments, you will find that most of us are sympathetic souls and will show you favor if your final grade teeters on the borderline.  We want you to succeed and are eager to reward your hard work.  But remember the key—it’s hard work!  

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