Library Research Guides
Library Research Guides
In order to be successful in your college classes, you'll need to SHOW UP! If you miss class, you will miss important work.
Think of attending class like going to work. What would your boss think of you if you didn't show up regularly?
Also, just showing up is not enough. You need to be alert and engaged. and you need to be prepared.
Emailing is a genre with its own rules—very different from the rules of texting—that you need to learn, both for college and for the professional business world beyond college. In every professional email please include the following:
• A subject line that includes which class you are enrolled in and something informative that points toward the subject of the email (e.g., “Religion & Society: Question about the first exam,” or “Religions of the East: Password for the online readings”)
• A professional salutation that includes the professor's title (e.g., “Dear Dr. Martin” or “Hello Professor Martin”)
• A message that is well written (i.e., correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation) and polite
• A closing salutation (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best wishes,” or “Thank you”)
• A signature (i.e., your name)
The more familiar you are with a professor, the less formal he or she may be in email exchanges. However, always let the level of formality be set by your professors; don’t be any less formal than they are.
This tutorial comes to you courtesy of Craig Martin, who shared it on Facebook, and who in turn was adapting what others had put together before him. Here's another similar tutorial online.
And here's an article that explains why it's important to communicate with your professor about anything that might affect your performance in class - remember, they're people too! And they'll try to help.
Most classes have a syllabus outlining what is required each day. Your fellow students are also excellent resources for catching up.
Attitude and determination play a big role. Develop a positive attitude about YOU as a student and practice perseverance. Don't give up!
Seek Help!
If you didn't understand what was covered in a class, seek help immediately. Don't wait until test time to take action because it is likely it will be too late. Be proactive! For instance:
Some students are new or unfamiliar with the classroom dynamic and may need guidance when it comes to how to act in the classroom. Remember these key rules courtesy of education.com:
Research Guides by Egan Library | University of Alaska Southeast are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
