Although instructors’ expectations might vary depending on a particular course, most instructors expect their students to exhibit attitudes and behaviors that are central to student success. First, and quite simply, be in class on time. In college, punctuality is a virtue. If you repeatedly arrive late for class or leave before class periods have officially ended, you are breaking the basic rules of etiquette and politeness, and you are intentionally or unintentionally showing a lack of respect for your instructors and your classmates. Being on time might be a difficult adjustment for some students, but you need to be aware of faculty members’ expectations at your college or university.

Arrive early enough to class to shed your coat, shuffle through your backpack, and have your assignments, notebooks, and the writing utensils or devices that you need for class ready to go. Likewise, be on time for scheduled appointments. Avoid behaviors that show a lack of respect for both the instructor and other students, such as leaving class to feed a parking meter or answer your cell phone and then returning 5 or 10 minutes later, thus disrupting class twice. Similarly, texting, doing homework for another class, falling asleep, or talking (even whispering) disrupts the class. Make adequate transportation plans in advance, get enough sleep at night, wake up early enough to be on time for class, and complete assignments prior to the class session.

Your instructors expect you to come to class promptly, do the assigned work to the best of your ability, listen and participate, think critically about course material, and persist even when a concept is difficult to master. Instructors also expect honesty and candor. Many instructors will invite you to express your feelings about the course anonymously in writing through 1-minute papers or other forms of class assessment.

Generally speaking, college instructors expect you to be self-motivated to do your best. Your grade school and high school teachers might have spent a great deal of time thinking about how to motivate you, but college instructors usually consider motivation to be your personal responsibility.