1. Welcome to UCA We are glad you’re here!

2. What is a syllabus and why is it important? It is a contract between you and your instructor. Tells you what your instructor expects of you. Tells you what you can expect of him/her. READ IT! Example

3. What do faculty do besides teach? Intellectual contributions (research, creative work, etc.) Service –To University –To college –To department –To profession –To community Some of us have a life away from work!

4. What is classroom etiquette? Etiquette: The prescribed forms and practices of correct behavior. –dress and act appropriately –act like a civilized human being –be considerate of your instructor and your classmates *This is college—not high school. Act like an adult!

5. What is academic honesty? Don’t cheat, lie, or steal. Cheating is both lying and stealing at the same time. Be honest is all dealings with your peers, your instructors, and with other university personnel. Academic Honesty Policy (see page 40 of the 2006-2007 Student Handbook. It is serious and could result in an F in a class and your dismissal from school.

6. Attendance/Tardiness Most instructors expect you to be in class on a regular basis and to be there on time. Some require excuses for absence. Read the syllabus, as it normally will address this and other such issues.

7. Class Participation It is mandatory in some classes, and optional in others. Some classes are straight lecture and allow little to no room for your participation, other than to listen and learn. Understand what your teacher expects and DO IT!

8. Visiting with your teacher Some require an appointment, and some do not. Find out what is deemed appropriate by your instructor and visit him/her if you have problems. Some instructors like for students to just drop in and visit—Some don’t!

9. Class Conduct: what is appropriate? I will tell you what I expect of you, and many other teachers will do the same. The syllabus gives some indication of an instructor’s “pet peeves.” Learn from your mistakes. If you do something that annoys your instructor, have enough sense to learn from that and don’t do it again. DUH!

10. What does it take to be successful in the classroom? Generally it takes a reasonable level of intelligence, effort, and good time management. Learn to read your teachers and understand what they want. You must learn effective time management. Ability * Effort * Time = Results

11. Should you check your “official” E- mail? Yes, do it regularly! It is important for many reasons. –Teachers can look it up, if they need to contact you. –Certain information we can only provide to you through that address (grades for instance). –Important notices from the university are routed through the official university mail system.

12. My Advice to You! You will grow and change a lot while in college. Make it a positive experience. Believe me, you will change!change Have fun, but remember you are here for an education. Do your school work first, then play! You cannot believe everything you hear! If I can ever be of help to you, get in touch with me. I will do whatever I can to help.