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Sounds obvious right? However, after a quick glance at the coursework load, most students set the document aside without checking policies for late work, how and when to contact the instructor, what to do if you have a family/personal emergency and need more time or an incomplete, etc. Read the entire syllabus from the beginning to end and you won鈥檛 have any surprises down the road. You will know what is expected of you and what you can expect from your instructor.

Ever taken a course where most of your grade is determined by a larger exam or research paper at the end? If this is a format or style you don鈥檛 jive with - the syllabus will tell you ahead of time. Again, reading your syllabus gives you the power by clearly explaining course expectations. If your course seems impossible to do well in, you can immediately look into other options

After reviewing the layout of your course and deciding it鈥檚 a commitment you can make 鈥� start planning. Write down every due date offered in your syllabus where ever you enjoy planning your week. This can be a paper planner or calendar, it can also be a digital calendar on your phone. As you do this, you鈥檒l begin to get a very clear idea when to begin studying or devoting time to an assignment.

The syllabus will list multiple ways you can communicate with your instructor such as email, phone, and office hours. If you need to make an appointment or wanted to verify information you鈥檙e unsure of, always refer back to the syllabus for the best ways to connect with your instructor. 

Around midterms, or if you want to calculate how an assignment would influence your grade, keep your syllabus on hand. Sometimes your instructor might alter an exam date or move assignments around. When this happens, keep your syllabus near so you can update it along with your calendar. If you have your syllabus with you, you won鈥檛 have to wait to make note of any changes.

Understanding the parts of an email:

TO: Place the email address of the individual you wish to send a message to

CC (Carbon Copy): Use this to add individuals who need a copy of the email. the original receiver of the email will see these additional email addresses.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy): Use this when you want another individual to get a copy of the email and they only know they got a copy. BCC means the original receiver does not know anyone else is getting a copy.

Subject: Your subject line should contain 2-5 words summarizing the content of your email. This could include the course name and section.

Body of the email:

• Begin your email with a greeting such as 'Hello' or 'Dear'
• Be direct and to the point. Use short simple sentences to make your note easier to read
• Closing lines:  You may reiterate any requests you鈥檝e made at the end of your message
• Sign Off: Sign off with a professional phrase like 'Sincerely', 'Many Thanks', or 'Warm Regards'
• Signature: First and Last Name along with important information such as your Student ID, Course Name and Section, and how to contact you (email and phone)

 

Format

• Be mindful of formatting. Special characters, images, fonts, etc. may appear differently on the intended receivers end.
• Watch out for run on sentences and long emails. Emails are meant to be concise and to the point not dissertations.
• Leave out the abbreviations and emoticons. The receiver may not understand or be aware of the meanings behind these two things. When in doubt, it is best to leave it out.
• Use proper structure and layout. Reading from a screen can be difficult, ensuring your email has a structure and concise layout is important. Make sure you have short paragraphs with spaces in between and use numbers or tick marks when making points.

Tone

• Don鈥檛 email your professor asking and/or complaining about grades. If you have inquiries, schedule an appointment to meet in person to review areas of improvement.
• Think about the impression your tone will make in the email. If you are emotionally charged, it is best to wait 24 hours before emailing or responding to emails
• Do not write in all CAPITALS. This makes it seem that you are shouting at the receiver.
• Treat faculty (and other students) with respect. Refrain from bad-mouthing or calling unnecessary attention to situations. Golden rule- treat those how you want to be treated.

 

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When do I need to follow up?

Allow the proper amount of response time of 24-48 hours before following up. This applies to both senders and receivers.