Hello everyone:

Here is part two of what I am writing about college organization. Okay, it is the first day of class and your professor just handed you the syllabus for the class. DO NOT LOSE THIS! I suggest that you slip it into a clear protective sleeve and carry it in your class notebook. [Some professors also post their syllabus on the class webpage, so you can find a replacement copy there, if you do the unthinkable and lose it.]

The professors at my colleges are required to go over the syllabus at the beginning of class. Though it may seem very boring (we are bored by this, as well), pay attention. Take notes on what is said about assignments. Do not automatically think we will follow up our instructions in writing. I stopped posting additional instructions on my class page years ago, to save time and to acknowledge that you are no longer in grade school. You are an adult and I expect you to write things down. It is not my responsibility to remind you!

When you get home, take the syllabi that you received today and immediately write the assignments onto your calendar, marking the assignments in different colors of ink for each different class. (I also note what class it is for, such as ENGL101, so that I won’t need to remember which color ink is for which class.) You need to do this every day when you get home from your first-time classes.

[Extra Note: do not show up late for class. Many professors make announcements at the beginning of class and if you are late you will miss them BUT you will still be responsible for what was said!]

After you have entered the due dates (including all reading assignments) for each class, go back and use the highlighter to mark big projects. As you complete each assignment throughout the semester, check it off on your calendar. Do not obliterate the information by marking through it; you may need to revisit the assignments and must be able to see them.

By having an entire month available at one time, you should be able to stay ahead of things and not miss assignments. My next blog will explain what you are to do with the oven timer. I see this blog is getting a bit long-winded, so I will put your next steps on the next blog, which I will go ahead and write today. If you have any questions or comments, please use my name in your reply, so that I will know that you are not a robot.

Best,

Dr. Sheri