Freshman Seminar Statement of Professionalism

Freshman Seminar faculty strive to make the classroom a place that is academically rewarding for both the student and the instructor. To encourage an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, we have established the following expectations for student behavior in the classroom. Some of these requirements will be new to you; however, other items will be similar to the expectations of faculty in other classes.  At the collegiate level, students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning and academic success. Faculty are expected to teach and support learning, not to monitor all your efforts or behaviors. Therefore, it is expected that you will:

Become familiar with academic policies and requirements:

• Read and reread the syllabus and tentative schedule.
• Follow at least the minimum guidelines for written and oral assignments.
• Ask about any requirements or policies that you do not understand. 
• Keep all handouts, returned work, etc., until you have received your final grade from the registrar.
• Abide by the honor system during exams, quizzes, and in-class writing assignments; do not cheat or assist cheating.

Be responsible for your own learning:

•  Take your college education seriously and show it.
•  Check your UCCS email regularly.
•  Get to know and discuss your learning with your instructors and JTAs – they are there to help.
•  Develop academic skills that strengthen and complement your own learning style.
•  Take responsibility for your performance, attendance, participation, grades and learning.
•  Ask for help when you need it.  

Be prepared for college-level learning:

•  Take careful notes on lectures and assigned readings, and revise class notes periodically.
•  Keep up with all assignments and class activities, including those in eCompanion if used.
•  Get information from another class member if you are absent. 
•  Expect to spend at least two hours on average for work done outside of class for every one hour of classroom attendance (2.5 hrs/wk  x 2 = 5hr/week per class; 5 classes = 25hrs average).
• Do the assigned reading before class.  Coming to class prepared helps you participate in class discussions, and textbook material might show up on a quiz or test.  Reading is essential for learning  the topic.

Organize your time:

•  Come to class on time, especially for examinations, and stay until the class has ended.
•  If you miss or will be late for a class/appointment with a faculty member or JTA, make every effort to contact them as soon as possible by phone or by email.  They may ask for a written doctor’s  excuse.
•  Get required work in on time or, if that is impossible, talk to your instructors.
•  Avoid scheduling appointments, work, practice, or vacations that will conflict with your class schedule.

Respect others:

•  Refrain from distracting others with rude behaviors such as sleeping, answering a cell phone, texting, having a private conversation, going in and out for drinks, snacks, or phone calls; or listening to  iPods/MP3 players, especially while others are speaking.
•  Tell your instructor if you must leave early or arrive late.  If you arrive late enter quietly and sit in the 1st available seat closest to the door.
•  Show respect for the instructor and class members.
•  If you have comments, criticism, or a need to talk, visit the instructor during office hours.
•  Ask and respond to questions in a serious manner.

Read, understand, discuss, and adhere to this statement, the UCCS Student Code of Conduct and other university policies.