Instructor & student expectations
Instructor Expectations
- Instructors, like almost everyone, appreciate being treated with respect. Treat him/her as you would want him/her to treat you.
- Instructors expect students to read the class syllabus CAREFULLY and follow all instructions included therein
- Instructors expect students to attend class on the first day of class and pay particular attention to the information provided on that day. The expectations that particular instructor has for students will be discussed the first day of class and it is important you are aware of those expectations at the beginning of the quarter.
- Instructors expect students to attend class on a regular basis. Consider how you would feel if you spent valuable time preparing for a class and a student came in and asked you, "Are we going to do anything important today?"
- Instructors expect class to begin on time. Students who arrive late are distracting to the instructor and to other students.
- Instructors expect students to submit assignments on time and according to instructions. Do not ask for extensions or deadlines unless there is a VERY GOOD reason for that extension (i.e. hospitalization).
- Instructors expect students to come to them if they are struggling with coursework. Many instructors are more than willing to help students who ask for help. Use the instructor's office hours (on class syllabus) or make an appointment to obtain help.
- While most instructors encourage participation in class discussions, most do not want one student to monopolize class time with his/her questions and comments. Some instructors like students to hold their questions until the end of class.
- Each instructor has his/her own unique way of teaching and expects different things from students. Teaching styles range from lectures to formats that require a great deal of class participation. It is important to learn the teaching style of your instructor and do your best to benefit from that teaching style.
- Instructors of academic transfer courses have the same expectations as instructors at four-year universities. If the instructor seems "tough", it is probably because s/he wants you to be well prepared when you transfer to a four-year university.
- Some instructors expect relatively formal behavior from students. Find out how the instructor likes to be addressed and use that name when talking to him/her.
Student Expectations
- An instructor should not single-out a student according to race, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or Running Start status.
- A student has the right to fair and equal treatment in all areas of academic concern. Students can expect to be treated respectfully. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, you have the right to discuss the situation with a college authority figure.
- Students are allowed to critique instructors and classes at the end of the quarter (in an instructor evaluation form). Your opinions will be taken into consideration.
- A student has the right to a fair evaluation of his/her work. Students should receive a grade based on coursework, test, knowledge of required material and class participation (attendance). If a grade is based on anything other than these requirements, you are permitted to challenge it.
- A student has the right to clearly stated criteria for evaluation by the faculty. Instructors may make amendments to their syllabus but change in workload should not be unreasonable. The syllabus is designed so students know what is expected of them at the beginning of the quarter.
- Students should expect to have their work returned to them. Instructors may not keep or copy work without a student's permission.
- If a student is struggling with the required class material, they can expect to receive help from the instructor and other campus resources.
- College instructors have a great deal of leeway in what they are allowed to discuss in class. Students can expect to be able to speak freely about course topics with the instructor.
- Students have the right to keep their educational records private (even from their immediate family).
- A student has the right to appeal any academic discipline. If you are disciplined for any misconduct at college, you have the right to take the matter to the college disciplinary board.
