At the beginning of the semester, your instructor will give you a syllabus, a document that provides critical information about the course, including assignments, grading policies, and your instructor’s contact information. Be sure to read through your syllabus carefully so that you will know your instructor’s expectations. Refer to it often during the term.
The syllabus represents a kind of contract between student and instructor. It should explain important policies on absences, late work, grading, paper revision, plagiarism, and extra credit. College students are usually expected to keep up with the course work outlined in a syllabus without reminders from their instructor.
When you look at the syllabi for all your courses, you may find that you have several major assignments due on the same day. You may also have smaller assignments that overlap. A calendar or a schedule maker can help you keep track of the due dates for all your classes. It is a good idea to check your syllabus or your calendar regularly, especially before each class session, to remind yourself of the readings and other assignments.
Sample syllabus
Related topics:
Understanding the expectations of US classrooms
Participating actively
Attending classes regularly
Getting extra help
plagiarism Use of the ideas, images, or language of another writer without proper citation and documentation.