How to Survive and Succeed as a Biology Major at UNCG What do my professors really do every day? How do I work with my professors to have the best chance of a great grade in their course? What kind of things can my professors offer me that will help me achieve my career goals? Modified from “Student Etiquette” College of Liberal Arts, Oregon State University http://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/school-psychological-science/psychology/students/student-etiquette

How long did my professors go to school to become a professor? Undergraduate + 2 years (6 total) Undergraduate + 4 years (8 total) Undergraduate + 5-10 years (9-14 years)

I pay a lot for my tuition, my professors should Give me individual attention and be there for me whenever I need help. Be available to me at specific times and answer all emails I send to them. Be available to me at specific times.

How much of a professor’s job is teaching? Most of their job (90%). Quite a bit of their job (75%). Some of their job (50%) Less than half of their job (30-40%). Only a little of their job (10% or so)

Okay, if my professor’s job is not to serve me individually, what is her/his job? ~40 % research, ~30-40 % teaching, about 10-20% service You are paying for the opportunity to learn from a highly trained professional.

What then do my professors do every day? Research (~40% of their job) Writing (a lot) Working with and advising graduate students (quite a bit) Managing their research program (quite a bit) Teaching (~30-40% of their job) ~ 3-4 classes + some classes involving supervising research students Service Department level College Level University Level Community Level National Level International Level

Some tips for interacting with professors. Always formally address them (Dr. or Professor) – respect Never barge in on a professor, even if the door is open. Be respectful – knock, hello, excuse me. Always follow their instructions. Don’t make them repeat them. Use office hours for meetings. NEVER drop in without an appointment Phone them outside of business hours Stop them in the hall to discuss a problem

Entitlements Student Entitlements An instructor who shows up, on time, and teaches Communication and time with instructor Answers to your questions Fair treatment Fair reasonable grading schemes A class that conforms to the syllabus

NOT entitlements Students are NOT entitled to: Passing grades because they need them (to graduate, to avoid probation, to keep financial aid, etc.) Grades they feel they have earned Miss class without penalty or consequences because they need to (wedding, vacation, job interview) Miss exam without penalty or consequences (because the need to or because it was an accident) Passing grades because they either attended every class, or did every assignment Easier grading standards because their life is more demanding than most students (e.g., single mother of 3, working full time, taking care of your sick parents, lost an arm, wrecked car, etc.)

More Tips Emails to instructors and other UNCG officials. Use Canvas or Blackboard if at all possible for course related emails. Put the course in the subject heading Address them Formally Dear Dr. Jones NEVER “Hey”, no greeting, “Hi”, “Hello” Identify yourself! “This is Frank Bernieri from your ISL-101 course) Describe your status in detail in detail (“I am in your Tuesday 8AM section of ISL 101”) Summarize your communication on a topic to date. (“We talked last Friday and you told me to email you.”) State why your are writing. If a professor does not use proper etiquette such as being informal, is it okay for me to email them informally, like I do my friends? Probably not. Why take the chance? Don’t be offended if you do not receive a response (especially if you are not using proper etiquette. A reminder is sometimes appropriate and should always be respectful and kind.

Okay, I understand that respect is highly important to benefit myself as I interact with Professors. Is it okay to Question them? Generally, questions are GOOD! Repeat points you did not hear, see, or understand Clarify things you do not believe To simply question “why” Some questions are BAD and will definitely irritate your professors. Looking up information on the internet in class. Write down your questions and look them up later. When answer is on the syllabus or in an announcement to the class either in class or on Canvas/Blackboard. (this is the worst – Don’t do it.) When they are personal (you, classmates, or instructor) unless invited to ask this kind

What can my professors offer me to help me with my career path? Sage advice – ask for it often from many professors Inside scoop on careers, jobs, what my life will be like in a job, salaries Opportunities for internships, research, clubs, involvement beyond just taking classes. This is critical to any career preparation. Get to know your professors, be respectful, and take advantage of the opportunities they have to offer.