If tweets are any indication, most students are really excited to get to campus. For those new to Mansfield, this is a little more daunting because there are a lot of unknowns. You'll quickly find out that college is a lot different from high school and that you need to be ready for it. Don't know what to expect? Well, your first day in each class will vary; some faculty will lecture while others will simply review the syllabus and the course. So here are some guidelines to help you get through it:
BEFORE:
- PRINT a copy of your schedule (WebAdvisor). If you get lost, it will be easier for someone to help you. Looking at your schedule on your phone isn't easy. While you are at it, (1) make sure you are enrolled in the courses that you think you are enrolled in and (2) verify class location and time. There are multiple sections of the same class... taught at the same time... by different faculty. You and your friend may have the same class at the same time taught by DIFFERENT faculty.
- PRINT a campus map and know where the buildings are. FYI: Belknap and Retan are connected.
- Check your email and D2L to see if your professors sent/posted anything.
DURING:
- Go to class and arrive a bit early. The faculty take attendance to verify that you are enrolled. When you don't show up, you run the risk of being dropped from the class. And...arrive early so if you are in the wrong location, you'll still have time to get where you need to be!
- If you are trying to add a class that is CLOSED, watch WebAdvisor. When a student drops a class, a spot will open up. If you'd like, you can attend the class that you'd like to add, but that won't guarantee that the faculty will let you add it. Some faculty will overload courses while others won't. Keep in mind that we don't get any sort of notification that tells us that a spot opened.
- If you've purchased the textbook, bring it to class.
You'll be able to verify that it's the correct book. If you don't know
how to find out what books you need, watch this video from The Mountie
Den: https://www.facebook.com/
200935769937740/videos/ vb.200935769937740/ 982082031823106/?type=3&theater
- Be prepared to write things down. Some faculty will lecture. Many faculty review upcoming deadlines, what you'll need for upcoming classes, particular policies, etc. You'll want to write them down.
- Be organized. You'll probably want to keep materials from each class in different folders or binders or whatever you use. Every class is different; policies differ. Faculty differ.
- Talk to your classmates and, if possible, the faculty. The first question you might want to ask your classmates is, "Is this X class?" That's a good way to make sure you are in the right place at the right time! The rest is just small-talk - that means that you shouldn't be texting. Class is a lot more fun when you know people!
- Don't overwhelm the faculty. We have a lot going on during the first week. Students are adding and dropping class. Advisees have questions. We have meetings, etc. Avoid asking us to keep track of things (like don't ask, "Can you let me know when someone drops this class?" - FYI: we don't get any notification when someone drops).
- If you have questions that are particular to you (like, "I won't be in class on Friday."), talk to the faculty after class or during office hours rather than take up class time. If you have questions that are general (like, "Are your tests going to be online?"), ask when you get an opportunity. Raise your hand rather than blurting it out.
- Stay awake and alert. Put your phones away. And by away, I mean in your backpack. Unless you are taking notes on your phone, you'll be tempted to text and post on social media. We see you and are forming an impression. Plus, you'll miss something, and faculty aren't obligated to repeat it.
- Pay particular attention to attendance policies. They differ among faculty. If you don't like the attendance policy, seek clarification and/or drop the class and take a different one. Keep in mind that faculty have policies for a reason. Most faculty take attendance very seriously because we know that students who show up for class are more likely to get more out of the class and perform better on assignments.
- Decide if you want to be in the class. If the course is not what you thought it would be, talk to your advisor about dropping it and taking a different course. Make sure the new course counts for something (in your major or General Education). So, for example, if you don't want COM 1103, you can drop it and take COM 1101. Both count for General Education: Oral Communication. BUT...make sure you can get into the new course. It might be closed! AND make your decision quickly so you can start attending that new class.
OTHER TIPS:
- If you email faculty, include the (1) course name/number and time and (2) your name. We teach a variety of classes and we don't know who you are.
- If you need help, be specific. There are dozens of classes being held at the same time all over campus. If you are lost and ask for help, state the course and the building/room. And...make sure it's the correct time. I've helped panicked students look for a class only to realize that their class actually starts in an hour! You'll find that most faculty, staff, and students are friendly and willing to help!
Good luck and have a great first day of class!
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