GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR COURSE SYLLABUS

As the fall semester starts up, most of you are busy this week trying to figure out how you're going to manage your new course load.  One of the resources that will actually help you with your planning, time management, and overall academic success are course syllabuses.  Your course syllabus is an important tool for you to use for a successful semester.  Here are some tips for how to use the information provided on the syllabus:

1. Instructor contact information and office hours

·       Make note of these and any changes the instructor makes to these

·       Additional TA or instructor information and office hours that may not be listed already

2. Books and required readings

·       Review the list and make sure you have purchased all required readings for the course so that you will be prepared when you have an assignment from one of them

3. Grading

·       Note what your grade is comprised of for the course and how it is broken down for each assignment

·       Keep track of your grades throughout the semester, on this part of the syllabus, so that you have an accurate idea of how you are doing in the course

·      If you have any questions or concerns about your grades, or are unsure of your grade in the class, check with your instructor – (do NOT wait until it is too late!)

4. Assignments and due dates

·       Use your Gopher Guide or other calendar, and write in the day for each assignment or exam that is due.  You may want to write your assignments in a bright color or highlight them in the calendar so that they stick out from other obligations you have that day

·       Plan ahead several days and make a note in your calendar about when to start studying for the exam or preparing your assignment

 For long term planning…

·       After you write your assignment and exam dates into your Gopher Guide or  calendar for each class, note which weeks will be your busiest during the semester

·       Adjust your work or extracurricular obligations NOW in order to be prepared for  the  busy times

·       If something is not clear or you have questions about assignments, contact your instructor early on so that you have plenty of time to get your  questions answered before the assignment is due!

5. Make up and Absent policies

·       Note how many excused absences you have for the class and the instructors make up policy should you be ill or miss an assignment or exam.

BE SURE to keep your syllabus with you in your course notebook or folder for easy access to instructor contact information, and to keep track of your grades and homework assignments.