Here we are again, the start of another semester, a fresh start. Some mistakes were made, or you could have been more organized. Or this could be the first time you're here. Are you feeling overwhelmed or underprepared this semester? Or are you just trying to put the right foot forward? Well, you're in the right place. That place is a guide to unlocking one of the most excellent tools you have as a student that often gets overlooked, your syllabus!

Your syllabus

We have seen this document since the start of high school and in every class. But this right here is so essential in university; it's a tool that helps set you on the right path and have a good start in a class. Some professors post this before the class starts, and others may post it on the first day. Either way, this will be the starting point of your success.

As students, we struggle to get lost in staying on top of homework, exams, projects, and everything else. But sometimes, we students might need a reminder (*cough cough - this is your reminder) to read your syllabus, as professors can even hide hidden tips in their syllabi or just set up a good system for yourself where everything is accounted for. Here's what I use and look for in my syllabus every semester, which has been a key to my continuous success!

Professor's Info

While this one may be obvious, it's a good place to start and one of the most critical parts of the syllabus. The professors use this place to tell you who they are and find the best way to contact them. If you have any questions later in the semester, in that case, you can connect with them, but look at what their best means of communication would be, as some professors will make a note that meeting directly or through the Canvas portal is the fastest way to get answers.

This also includes their office hours; always use them! Trust me, it pays off in the long run. Even if you're not struggling in the class, building a connection with faculty is an excellent way to better your university experience and network.

Important Due Dates

We know this information is there, but how about we take it — a collection of all the important dates — and input them into a master system to keep us organized. That could be an Excel sheet, a list, your calendar on your computer, or it could be a pen and paper (or planner), just mark all those dates down!

I used a master Excel sheet where I have assignment type, weight value, due date, course code, and instructions (formatting - we tend to overlook this when looking at the entire assignment). Yours doesn't have to be this complex; a simple project title and date will do. Overall, it helps you map out your semester and plan your life as a student, whether it be work, clubs/societies, or social activities.

Required Textbooks & Materials

Aside from trying to sort out what books you might need to purchase or readings to do, some professors link free resources instead of paid readings or offer discount codes, so it's always worth double-checking the syllabus to see what the professor requires. There is a big difference between required and recommended.

Suppose no tests or materials need to be purchased in advance. In that case, it might help you download the free material into your Google Drive and organize it to access or pre-read easily.

Grades -> Extra Credit

Lastly, it can be beneficial to look at the assignment expectations beforehand. For example, some classes prioritize small assignments instead of larger ones. Some are open to only submitting through a particular format, so knowing the assignment expectations for a class beforehand can be beneficial. For example, one class might make attendance a large part of your grade, which is good to know so you can plan on attending as much as possible. Other courses might have projects worth a large portion of your grade, so you can decide ahead of time when to study extra diligently.

Some professors really don't like when students email them asking for their grades to be rounded at the end of a semester, so it's worth checking if your professor mentions their policy in the syllabus. Sometimes, they will also explain whether they offer extra credit assignments here. Knowing how to make the most of your grade never hurts! Sometimes, this section is included or followed by resources like writing centers, tutoring offices, disability services programs, counseling help, and more. While it may be a standard reminder, sometimes it's when you get stuck. These resources feel most beneficial.

Overall, these sections in the syllabus will truly set your semester up for success! So, please keep a copy on hand and continually refer to it throughout the semester. It will be the foundation of a successful semester! 

And, like always, signing off with love,

Alex