College classes begin this week and it’s a good bet that each of your professors will be sharing the following expectations:
- Take your classes seriously, as you would a professional job. If you need to miss a class, contact your professor as a professional courtesy. Don’t expect her/him to offer you an individual review. Work with a classmate to get notes.
- Rent/purchase the textbook and bring it to class. Peruse the assigned chapter prior to the class session. This isn’t high school – you are responsible for the readings and will be left in the dust if you ignore the reading assignments.
- Unlike high school, professors will not be contacting your parents or nagging you about assignments. If you don’t do the work, your grade will reflect this. Don’t ask for make-up or extensions for assignments due. Budget your time and accept the consequences when you get behind.
- Ask for help when you need it. There are many resources including academic support services that your tuition pays for – make use of it.
- Visit your professor’s office. Instructors have office hours and are available to consult with you about the course, your academic career, and employment opportunities. Check your syllabus for office hours. Don’t be afraid to request a time that’s convenient for you.
- Work with your faculty advisor. In addition to your career counselor, you’ll be assigned a faculty member in your academic field. S/he will be able to mentor you in selecting courses, dealing with difficult professors, considering internships, applying for scholarships, and joining honor programs. Faculty advisors are your best resources for letters of recommendation.
- Spend some time on campus and join student activities. Many community college students complain that they are missing the full college experience because they don’t attend sporting events, go to student parties, or get involved in student clubs. There are plenty of these at NOVA too!
- Do your own work and, when citing others’ work, give credit. Plagiarism is taken seriously at college. http://plagiarism.org/
- Don’t ever say, “I’m just going to NOVA.” You are fortunate to be attending college, particularly NOVA! Five years from now, you will believe me.
- Be open to learning. It’s a lifelong skill that will pay huge dividends.