Atlanta journalist H.M. Cauley teaches college classes as part of her doctoral program.
Here is a letter she is adding to her class syllabus. Pass it onto newly minted college students. It's worth their time.
By H.M. Cauley
Dear Incoming College Student:
Credit: Maureen Downey
Credit: Maureen Downey
As one of your future instructors, I congratulate you on becoming a college student. You are now part of what is becoming a select group. A 2014 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed only 66 percent of graduating high school seniors went onto college, and that number is declining. Recognize the distinction you have earned, and honor it. Here are a few pointers to make that possible.
Recognize the difference between “earning” and “being awarded.” Professors “award” grades based on the accomplishments that have earned them. Also note that “earning” is an activity, while “being awarded” is a passive event. Actively earn good grades by attending and being prepared for class, completing assignments on time, asking questions and engaging in class conversation.
Admittedly, at some point in your academic career, you may encounter the one evil Voldemort on the faculty, but in reality, the vast majority of professors has students’ best interests at heart and will work with them to further their development and growth. But professors aren’t mind-readers; tell them you need help before you flunk the first quiz.
Read and refer often to the course syllabus that sets out the expectations and guidelines. These are not the mice-type agreements attached to your cell phone contract that can be ignored; they are explicit instructions that explain all aspects of the course and what it takes to earn a passing grade. After reading the syllabus, you may decide the course is not for you, and it’s perfectly acceptable to drop it and add another.
But by staying in the class, you agree to abide by the terms the professor has laid out, and, just like a driver’s manual that spells out the rules of the road, the rules of a syllabus will be enforced.
If you have earned a HOPE Scholarship, then congratulations are due. Now your job is to keep that scholarship alive by earning a B average. This may have been easy in high school, but in college, a C is a passing grade for acceptable work. Earning a B requires above average work if you don’t want to be one of the seven of 10 students who loses HOPE after the first year.
And HOPE is worth keeping: This may be the only time in your life when a government agency pays you to study, research, explore and develop both as an individual and a scholar. Make keeping HOPE your job; it pays better than working 20 hours a week for 15 weeks at $10 an hour. And it adds more cachet to your resume than dishing up fast-food. Being a four-year HOPE scholar is an accomplishment you can brag about on job and graduate school applications.
But if you find yourself in desperate need of a part-time gig, start looking around the campus where you already are. Chances are good there are opportunities for on-site employment that you may not have considered, and your employer may be more sympathetic than most if you need to change your schedule during finals week.
College is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that invites you to explore, experiment and broaden your horizons. So stop streaming Netflix in your dorm room and discover the excitement happening around you. And along the way, use that student ID for every discount you can get, from free Amazon Prime to cheap air fares. It’s an exclusive perk of your position, and one you’ll likely wish you had again after graduation.
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