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At some point in every college student's life he or she will likely encounter a professor who will prove to be unhelpful. But what does a student do in such a situation? What is the appropriate avenue for seeking help? First a student should be sure the professor is the problem. Once this is determined the student should go up the ladder of authority, from the professor and up to, if need be, the appropriate dean. All throughout this time the student should remember that numerous other sources of academic help are available. Despite unhelpful college professors, students can and should succeed in class.

Before claiming a professor as unhelpful a student must honestly assess whether or not the teacher is at fault. Students occasionally fall into the trap of assuming a professor's unwillingness to help based on misconceptions either about college education or the specific professor.

First, a student should make certain he or she has spent adequate time in study for the class taught by the alleged unhelpful professor. A student must also take adequate and thorough lecture notes that will prove profitable during future study. Any student who goes to a professor seeking help without providing ample proof of full effort truly has no right to receive help. Seeking aid in understanding subject matter should be done, but such requests must be done with respect toward the professor, and anything less than complete effort is disrespectful.

That all being said, before any other party is consulted students should seek help from their professors with all due respect. Simply asking for help, however, may not be enough; some professors are simply unwilling to help. This unwillingness is uncommon, though, if the correct route is taken. One must understand that professors are usually quite busy and may not have time before or after class to assist students. Students, therefore, should make use of office hours or should schedule an appointment. Putting forth the effort is often suitable, and persistence often pays off.

But when these attempts fail, the next appropriate individual a student should consult is his or her academic advisor. Talking to an academic advisor can bring out strategies for receiving help from a professor and will often lead to an easier road toward help. Advisors usually have strings to pull, and if a student seems in sufficient need, an advisor may very well be able to draw forth the necessary aid.

If, however, the problems persist against the assistance of

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