By: Kira Oviedo, Staff Writer
One of the most common misconceptions spread by high school educators is that college professors are more or less hard-headed. As a first-year student, it is reasonable to prepare for this type of environment, but is that the reality? Fortunately enough, I believe this to be a myth. On the contrary, I have found that professors encourage inclusivity and understanding. Despite this comforting fact, there is still action that can be taken to form a good relationship with your professor.
Pay close attention to the syllabus. The syllabus you receive from professors at the start of the term is a sort of guide on how to do well in the class. In high school, these seemed pointless, but professors tend to look back at the syllabus multiple times a semester. They will also go over it in class to clear up any confusion. I believe the most important part of the syllabus is the schedule and late policy. This way you can manage your time accordingly.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. It helps immensely, in the long run, to ask genuine questions whether that be in lecture, lab, etc. Not only will this aid your understanding, but it also indirectly lets your instructor know that you are paying attention and want to learn.
Have clear communication. As I stated previously, professors are not completely hard-headed. From what I have experienced, they are fairly understanding and reasonable. So, don’t get worked up if you can’t make it to class or are a day late on an assignment, just openly explain the situation. I recommend email for this. Almost all of your professors’ emails will be on the syllabus or will be shared at the start of term, and it will be your primary way of communication outside the classroom.
Go to office hours. Similar to the second point, going to office hours shows that you care about the course. These hours are also on the syllabus. This is also a great opportunity for those who feel less comfortable asking questions during class. Though you do not have to speak specifically about curriculum during office hours. If you are curious about your instructor you may ask about their field of work as well as their own experiences. I would advise learning a few facts about him/her/them prior to visiting and incorporating them in the conversation. This will help evaluate if you would be interested in their area of study as well.
Offer your opinion on class. Some may believe you can do with or without this one, but I think it’s important to let your thoughts be known every once in a while. Speaking up may not be so easy for some as it is for others, so this is a great time to utilize your email. For this, you can include your thoughts on class topics as well as any questions. From what I have learned, your professors are always open to food for thought and will see this as the same participation as speaking in class.
Don’t forget to reach out. My email is soviedo@regis.edu, and I as well as anyone on The Highlander staff is more than happy to answer any questions you may have about professor tips and freshman year!