Hello everyone:

Sometimes students struggle in college. Maybe they are a first generation college student and have no idea of how to study. Perhaps this is their first semester of online classes and are lost at how to navigate the course material. It happens. The key to success in a time of stress is to reach out the professor. And then don’t stand her up when you have an appointment.

There have been times in the past fourteen years of my academic career where some students could have really benefited from a little course adjustment. Perhaps it was as simple as making a little change in how they were writing papers or citing sources or …or…or… You fill in the blank.

I reached out to them, trying to arrange for a phone call to get them on the right course, only to have them make an appointment and then not show up.

This week was one of those times. I had appointments with eight at-risk students this week. Four of those appointments actually happened and I offered to meet with those students weekly, if necessary, over the next seven weeks. I think all four of them will have success, not only in this class, but in the rest of their degree program.

Four of those students never showed up. What a pity. What a waste. One of the students who had already stood me up once earlier in the week actually made her not showing up my fault. Well, the good news, is that this is “two strikes and you’re out.”

A few minutes with your professor can be a gift. Don’t turn it down.

Best,

Dr. Sheri