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The syllabus for a class is like a contract between you and your professor or teacher. It outlines your professor or teacher’s expectations. Read through the syllabus when you receive it and ask questions if anything is unclear.  If anything is unclear, ask your professor or teacher for clarification. This is especially important if your question pertains to an assignment. If your professor or teacher uses an electronic syllabus, they may update it at any time. Even though they may announce any changes, be sure to check the syllabus often for updates. Note any important dates or information you want to easily access later. It is normal to miss class once or twice during a semester, but missing too many classes is a sure way to fail English. Be sure to attend class and arrive on time. This will help to ensure that you do not miss out on the lessons.  Be aware that some professors will mark you absent if you arrive late. Make sure you arrive on time to avoid losing points for tardiness. If you must miss a class, make sure to email your professor or teacher as soon as possible. Review the syllabus beforehand and check your professor or teacher’s makeup policy. Make sure that you follow the protocol outlined in the syllabus. You might feel like your professor or teacher knows who you are since they called your name in roll call.  However, professors and teachers have many students and it will take a while to get to know everyone’s name. Introduce yourself so the professor or teacher has an easier time of remembering who you are.  Try saying something like, “Hello, Mrs. Jones! My name is Jon Smith. I just wanted to say hi and tell you I am looking forward to your class.” Introducing yourself to your professor is a good time to ask questions. Ask them your questions about the class, required texts, and assignments. Visit your teacher or professor during office hours early in the semester to develop a working relationship with them. Start off the semester by getting organized. You will have lots of due dates to keep track of, so get yourself a day planner or use an app on your phone. Record important due dates for your English class with the app or planner. For example, if you have a paper due on February 15th, add an entry to your planner or app, such as “Paper #1 due today.” You will be very busy trying to complete your coursework, so it is best to start on your assignments ahead of time. Start when your English professor or teacher provides guidelines! For example, if your professor or teacher gives you the assignment sheet for the final paper a month in advance, don’t wait. Start on the final paper right away. You can brainstorm, do research, take notes, create an outline, and meet with your professor during office hours.
Read the syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Attend every class. Introduce yourself to your professor or teacher on the first day of class. Track important due dates in a planner. Start working on assignments well before when they are due.