C o u n s e l i n g , C a r e e r, & D i s a b i l i t y S e r v i c e s N e w s l e t t e r
Fall 2011
Raider Wise Counsel
NOTE TO STUDENTS
In this Issue
Note to Students
1
12 Ways to Make
1-2
Sure You Flunk This
Class
Did You Know
1
Spring Registration
2
Contact Information 3
Did You Know?
Counselors are
available to help you
with issues related to
adjusting to college.
For a confidential
appointment, please
call:
Roane County
(865) 882-4546
or
Oak Ridge
(865) 481-2003
We hope that you are having a successful
semester. In Counseling, Career, and Disability Services, we help
students focus on strengths, overcome obstacles, and make a
successful transition to college. Eliminating the following negative
behaviors can have a positive impact on your college career.
12 WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU FLUNK THIS CLASS
Sometimes, some students do not get the message that college is
not a “give me.” They may think that since they paid for it (or
someone else paid for them) that they are entitled to a grade, and a
good grade, at that. It does not hurt to remind them—in writing—
of some behaviors that negatively affect their potential for success.
Some educators may argue that we should “accentuate the
positive.” Sometimes it is worthwhile to concentrate on
“eliminating the negative.” Here, then, are some suggestions for
students.
1. Don’t study the text, lecture material, or additional assigned recommended reading. Reading once or twice the night before the
exam “doesn’t cut it.”
2. Don’t observe due dates. Late work, no matter what the excuse,
is usually downgraded or not accepted.
3. Urge the instructor to “cut you some slack” or “give you a
break.” If he or she did that for someone else and not you, what
would your reaction be?
4. Do not attend class. While you may think class is boring, the
teacher might just provide some insights that will help you better understand the content of the course.
Page 2
12 WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU FLUNK THIS CLASS
(continued)
Spring Registration

Registration begins
Nov. 14 for spring
2012. See your faculty
advisor and register
early for best class selection.

Students receiving disability services should
schedule an appointment with his/her counselor to set up accommodations after registering for classes each
semester. Accommodations do not roll from
semester to semester.
5. Come to class late. If you really want to get on the wrong side
of the instructor, just make this a habit.
6. Play with your cell phone, iPod, or other electronic device in
class. Unless you have childcare problems or are a firstresponder, these actions tell the instructor that something else is
more important than what is being taught.
7. Copy stuff from Wikipedia, a Google search, or someone else’s
work without proper citations. Teachers usually can identify plagiarism and material that is not yours.
8. Sleep in class. We know that school interferes with your social
life, but do not make it so obvious!
9. Try to con. Telling an instructor that this is the last course you
need to graduate or transfer when it is not, will not earn you any
leniency.
10.Tell the teacher that this class is the only one with which you are
struggling and you have “A’s and B’s” in all other classes. Don’t
give the impression that your other teachers are too easy.
11. Tell the teacher that you must have a good grade or you will lose
your eligibility for sports, scholarship, or grant; or be on academic probation.
12.Don’t really, really try to learn.
Jerry Clavner, Professor, Social Sciences, Published by NISOD
Roane State is a TBR and AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been
designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action, 276 Patton Lane, Harriman, TN 37748, (865) 882-4679. RSCC Publication # 12-037.
Page 4
RAIDER WISE COUNSEL
Counseling, Career, &
Disability Services
Staff:
Tracey Watson
Director
Jeff Snell
Counselor
Julianne Cole
Counselor
Tina Messamore
Support Staff
Carol Jarabek
Support Staff
Roane State Community College
Counseling, Career, and Disability Services
Contact Information
Roane County
Tracey Watson, Director
watsontl@roanestate.edu
865-882-4546
Carol Jarabek, Support Staff
jarabeklc@roanestate.edu
865-882-4546
Oak Ridge
Jeff Snell, Counselor
snellja@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
Julianne Cole, Counselor
davisjy@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
Tina Messamore, Support Staff
messamore@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
www.roanestate.edu/counseling
www.roanestate.edu/disabilityservices
www.roanestate.edu/careerservices
From bottom left: Carol Jarabek, Tracey Watson, Julianne Davis
From top left: Tina Messamore & Jeff Snell