Academic Expectations
What do I call my professor?
Most instructors will let you know what to call them, or will
have their titles and/or names printed on the syllabus you receive
for class. Many, if not all, of your professors have earned
doctoral degrees and will ask you to call them "Dr." Others will
ask to be addressed by Mr. or Ms., or simply by their first name.
If you're unsure which title is appropriate, the safest bet is to
address him/her with the title of "Professor." That is appropriate
for any instructor you will encounter in the classroom.
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What is a course syllabus, and how do I use it?
A course syllabus is a map provided by the instructor to help
you navigate through the semester's work. It is your contract with
the instructor, and you are accountable for the information within
the document. The syllabus will outline how you will be evaluated
and what will be required for success in the course. It may also
provide the instructor's contact information, project or paper due
dates, exam/quiz dates, etc. It is highly recommended that you
transfer assignments and due dates to your calendar/planner.
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Do I have to go to class?
Yes! Each professor will define his/her attendance and grading
policies in the course syllabus. The value of a college education
depends on your full participation in the life of the campus
community. Students are not merely expected to receive information
passively, but to participate in class in an active and engaged
manner. It's important that any unnecessary absences be avoided. If
illness or an emergency necessitates your absence from class, it is
expected that you will inform the professor in
advance and make arrangements with a classmate to obtain
lecture notes.
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What is plagiarism?
Many professors will explain plagiarism and academic integrity
in the course syllabus. It is critical that you gain a thorough
understanding of these concepts, as you will be held accountable
for them. Ask an instructor or librarian to clarify any questions
you have and be familiar with the following resources:
The
Butler University Student Handbook (PDF)
The
Online Plagiarism Tutorial from Irwin Library
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How is homework different in college?
Homework is a vital aspect of the learning process but, unlike
high school, college-level assignments to be completed outside of
class may not be graded or contribute significantly to a final
grade. The majority of your "learning" is going to occur outside of
the classroom. During high school, you spent approximately seven
hours per day in a classroom, and you will likely spend about half
that amount of time in a classroom setting during college. Homework
plays an incredibly important role in augmenting your learning
experiences outside the classroom. It is critical that you complete
all assigned/recommended work in your courses, regardless of
whether or not it will be graded, as your understanding and
comprehension of material will be enhanced. Learning for the long
term is very different than learning for a one-time test. College
is about becoming a scholar in your discipline, not merely
accumulating credits.
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How are exams/quizzes different in college?
One difference you will quickly notice is that exams are
typically administered less frequently. Rather than having an exam
covering each chapter, you may find that you have only three or
four exams (covering multiple chapters) in an entire semester. It
is essential that you develop a plan of action to ensure you are
keeping up with readings and homework.
First-year students often report that high school exams tested
them on their ability to "memorize" information. College-level
quizzes and exams require that students execute critical thinking
skills to demonstrate a deeper level of comprehension of the
material. For example, you may be asked fewer "what" questions,
which will give you basic information about a concept or idea, and
more "why," "how" and "what if" questions which will require that
you examine and investigate a concept more thoroughly.
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What can I do if I am not sure I am in the right major?
Uncertainty about one's major is something the majority of
students encounter. We encourage you to explore your academic
options while at Butler. The Exploratory Studies Program invites
any student, whether they have declared a major or not, to find out
how they can investigate their choices. For more information,
please visit the Exploratory Studies office in Jordan Hall, Room
136 or visit the Exploratory Studies
website.
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