Teachers Say Students Should Read Syllabus for Better Grades

By Omega Dable, Whetstone Contributor

If you’re a student who doesn’t read your syllabus, you’re making a big mistake.

At least that’s what some professors say.

“Everything is in the syllabus but most people don’t read it,” said Susan Bobby, Associate Professor of English. “Everything is on there.”

And that includes using – that is, not using – electronic devices, such as cell phones.

Bobby says she does not have a problem with students using iPads in class, even though she has reservations because there is no way one can tell if students are using it appropriately.

Senior Shane Jacobs said he knows that most students don’t even read the syllabus.

“You have to read your syllabus,” Jacobs said. “If you don’t you are kind of screwed, but I know that not everybody ever does.”

If they don’t, they don’t read about cell phone restrictions.

“It’s OK if it’s stated by the professor in a syllabus,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with it if it is allowed in that class.”

The class syllabus gives rules of conduct for students or in more technical terms outlines and summarizes what a course is about, how to behave in class, what’s expected of students by a professor and what students can expect from the professor.

It is a binding contract between the student and the professor that tells you the do’s and the don’ts for behavior in the classroom and assignments.

What bothers many professors is student using cell phones, because they are a source of constant distraction.

“I expect them to come to class prepared,” said Dr. Frank Fiedler, Associate professor of Mathematics. “I expect courtesy for the ones that are here to learn, we are not in high school. No disruptions. When you come to college you gain access not a degree. It is not like going to a theatre. You are there for a purpose and there are guidelines to follow when you are at the theatre.”

If class is not like going to a theater, nor should students come ready to eat while their professors talk.

“I don’t like people eating in my class,” said Victor Greto, Associate professor of media arts. “I am not a movie. No phone also because they are disruptive, it diverts your attention on what I am saying and, above all, it’s disrespectful.”

Freshman Brandon Smith said it works both ways.

“When I go to classes I expect the professor to be prepared, eager to learn and to bring their best abilities just as I am there ready to do work and get things accomplished on my syllabus,” Smith said.

Greto said if both student and teacher are respectful and understand their roles in the classrooms, there should be no behavioral problems in a class.

“It really is a matter of adults respecting one another and understanding the roles of student and professor,” he said.