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eraser and help out, then ask if the professor has a few minutes in his office after class to talk to you.

GET A SYLLABUS
Every professor should have a syllabus available on the first day of class, whether it's a printed document or something you need to download from the professor's website. The syllabus is in essence a contract between the professor and the students that spells out what the professor expects of you and what you as a student can expect in return. At the minimum, a syllabus should have the professor's contact information, office hours, grading policy, readings, and dates for exams and projects due. Once you get the syllabus, don't lose it. Transfer the test dates, readings, and project due dates to your master calendar so you can plan ahead. Keep the professor's contact information handy so you know where to get help.

ASK QUESTIONS IN CLASS
Sure, it's pretty scary to speak up in class when you're in a big lecture section. Try sitting up front so you're less aware of the size of the class. Listen and take notes during class, and jot down any questions that you have. Put a hand up any time you're not clear on something. Others in the class will appreciate that someone else asked the question they were thinking, and your professor will get the feedback he needs to know if students are getting the information or not.

USE OFFICE HOURS
Most universities require their professors to keep a certain number of office hours. These are the hours you can expect your professor to be in or near his office so you can visit and ask questions. It's surprising how few students take advantage of this offer of free extra tutoring.

To get the most out of your office hour visits, come with some specific questions. Just before an exam, for example, you might have some questions about the study guide or about a topic you're having trouble with. If you're working on a project or term paper, bring in a proposal or an outline early in the term and ask the professor to give you some feedback. If you're not clear on an assignment, discuss it with your professor.

Don't wait until the end of finals week to see your professor and beg for a better grade. By then it's far too late. Professors aren't going to give you special consideration over your classmates regardless of how sorrowful you look. The time to see your professor is as soon as you know your grade is in jeopardy. If you do poorly on the first midterm, come in and discuss the questions that you got wrong. Ask for study tips to prepare for the next exam.

Remember, what you get out of any situation is what you put into it, and the same is true for your relationship with your professors. If you just come to class, read the book, take the test, and walk away, you may retain a little of the knowledge but that's all you'll have. If you take the time to get to know your professors each term, you'll walk away with a better understanding of the subjects and perhaps a better understanding of the world. You never know what opportunities a new acquaintance may open up for you, so take a chance and say, "Hello!" to your professors today!

Learn more about this author, Karen Bledsoe.
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