THE INSIDE SCOOP:
WHAT COLLEGE STUDENTS
NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
THEIR PROFESSORS
Overview Of What You Need To Know:
Rules Of Etiquette
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Get to know who your teachers are on a professional level.
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Understand that they have dual-roles.
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Know that teachers have expectations set for their students.
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Understand that attendance matters.
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Know how to be a model student.
Brainstorming Activity
Two minutes
Write down a list of things you think your professors
expect from their students.
Write down a list of possible pet peeves that
instructors have of their students.
Who Is My Teacher?
Different Teaching Roles

Teachers’ Assistant: Currently enrolled in college –
assists the teacher.
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Graduate Assistant: Currently enrolled in graduate school –
role varies.

Instructor: Has expertise in their field, but does not have a
Ph.D.
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Professor: Is an expert in their field and has a Ph.D.
***BECAUSE MOST TEACHERS AT EIU ARE PROFESSORS,
I WILL USE THIS TERM THROUGHOUT THIS PRESENTATION
Facts You Should Know
About Your Professor

All professors are not required to take classes on how to
teach or design syllabi, tests, and quizzes.
o This is not a requirement for all professors with advanced degrees.
o Different graduate training programs have different course
requirements.

Professors are different from high school teachers.
o They have set higher standards for you simply because you are in
college.
Professors Are Busy Outside Of The
Classroom
In order to be promoted or tenured, aside from teaching multiple
courses, most professors are required to be involved in:
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A variety of research.
Publishing activities.
Advising students in their department.
Supervising graduate students.
Participating in community activities.
Professors have a variety of things that keep them VERY busy all of
the time.
What Does My Professor
Expect From Me?

Professors expect you to read the syllabus and refer to it
in order to know how you will be graded for attendance,
reading assignments, tests, projects, etc.

They expect you turn assignments in on time.

They expect you to have the desire to learn the material
they are teaching.

They expect you attend and to be on time for each class.
What Do They Expect When I Come
to Visit During Office Hours?
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When you schedule a meeting, BE ON TIME!
Be prepared to address specific questions, issues,
comments, and/or concerns.
Address them properly (Dr. Mr. Ms.) and
pronounce their name correctly.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Don’t whine or blame others for poor attendance/
grades.
Don’t discuss a test or assignment when you are
angry.
Ask for help.
“Professors Don’t Care if I Attend
Class…They Get Paid Regardless”

PROFESSORS DO CARE!
o They chose this job as their profession to help you
obtain a higher level of education.
Some professors say that they don’t care about
class attendance, but don’t believe it!
 They notice who is in attendance and who is not.

Flat Tire, Sick?

Leave a message for your professor (voicemail, email etc.) to let them know you had an emergency
and will not be in attendance for class.
o Be professional when trying to get in contact with
your professor.

You may want to visit your professor during
office hours to catch up on missed concepts.

Get notes from someone you trust.
Professors Hate When Students Are
Late!

The first few minutes of class are often used
for important announcements such as changes
in the syllabus or assignments.

Being late is often disruptive.
o The smaller the class, the more disruptive it is.

If you come in after attendance has been taken,
you may be marked absent.

Many professors will deduct attendance points
for tardiness.
Better Late Than Never?

Watch how your professors respond to other
classmates who are late, then guide your
actions accordingly.

During the first class period you should ask
your professors about his or her preferences
about this commonly asked question.

What are your thoughts about this saying?
Now That You Are In Class…

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Come prepared!
Sit in the front row.
o There is a positive correlation between sitting in the
front of the classroom and getting better grades.
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Have a notebook and something to write with.
Bring any books or articles that are related to the
chapters that are being covered.
When you are prepared, you communicate an
interest in the subject.
Almost all professors will treat you as if their
course is the only one that you are taking.
Once you know what professors expect, you can
become a model student.
Professors Notice The Model
Students In Their Classes

Attend every class.
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Come prepared for the lecture (READ).
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Participate in class discussions.
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Ask questions after first having tried to
figure out the answers on your own.
How To Be A Model Student
Avoid the Following In Class:
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Reading the newspaper.
Yawning.
Stretching.
Having side conversations.
Answering your cell phone.
Sending text messages on cell phones.
“It Is Not Only What You Say,
But How You Say It”
Ask questions in a courteous and positive manner:
 “Could you elaborate on….”
 “Could you clarify…”
Avoid negative phrases:
 “I don’t see how…”
 “Don’t you think…”
Make relative statements:
 “It seems to me…”
 “I think…”
 “Perhaps…”
Avoid absolute statements:
 “Everybody knows…”
 “The fact is…”
 “Any idiot can see…”
Why Should I Care What My
Professors Think?

Professors are resourceful when it comes
to writing letters of recommendation for
jobs, scholarships, internships, student
honor societies, etc.

Professors determine the grades that you
have earned in their courses.

They may be able to cut you some slack if
something unexpected happens in your
life.
Questions?
Need More Help?

Visit the Student Success Center

(217) 581 – 6696
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cboyer@eiu.edu
I hope you enjoyed the presentation!