TOP 20 QUESTIONS ASKED BY NEW STUDENTS AT MSUM
| 1. | Do professors take attendance? | Some professors do take attendance, while other professors don't. Check the professor's class syllabus for an attendance policy or ask the professor if you are not sure. | ||
| 2. | How much harder is college than high school? | It is not that college is so much harder than high school, but it is different. College requires you to adapt to a new way of learning. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to work hard at your studies! | ||
| 3. | How much time will I need to study? | Your study time will vary with the class. A good rule of thumb is to spend two hours outside of class on homework for every hour of class. | ||
| 4. | How often should I see my advisor? | At least twice each year when you register; more often if you think it is necessary. | ||
| 5. | How important is my GPA? | While GPA is important, it's more important that you learn the course material. Concentrate on learning the course material to the best of your ability and the grades will follow. | ||
| 6. | How important is class attendance? | In most courses, class attendance is vitally important. You should only miss class if it is absolutely unavoidable. | ||
| 7. | What should you do when you miss a day of class? | Check the professor's syllabus (see 1). Some professors appreciate it if you notify him or her when you will be gone. At a minimum, ask another class member for a copy of his or her class notes for the day(s) you were gone. | ||
| 8. | My instructor mentioned exams in the library; what was that all about? | Some professors put old examinations on reserve in the library. Check the reserve desk at the library. | ||
| 9. | How long are professors usually around during the day? | It depends on the professor. Check the professor's class syllabus for office hours and plan to see the professor during his or her office hours. If that's not possible, set up an appointment using the telephone or e-mail. | ||
| 10. | Are you allowed to make up an exam if you are sick; if so, how do you go about it? | Usually, but it depends on the professor. Check the professor's class syllabus for his or her policy on illness and make-up exams. | ||
| 11. | Do you really need to bring your books to class? |
In most classes yes. If you think you do not need your textbook in class, ask the professor. | ||
| 12. | What if I decide I don't like the class and want to drop it? What do I do? | Complete a 'Change of Program' form (it's pink) and have the professor and your advisor sign it. Bring it to the Records Office in Owens Hall before the drop date so that the Records Office can officially record your withdrawal. | ||
| 13. | Should I take one and the same seat in the classroom all the time? Should other people know that's my seat? | Generally yes. Most professors will tell you about seating on the first day of class so be sure not to miss class that day. | ||
| 14. | Where do I go to switch my major? | The Records Office in Owens Hall has change of major forms (it's gold). Complete the form with the necessary signatures and return it to the Records Office. | ||
| 15. | Are all the exams written or some of them oral as well? | It depends on the professor. Most exams are written, but some forms of testing may be oral too. | ||
| 16. | Where would I go for information on a career? | You can either go to the Counseling Center or Career and Placement Services. Both have information that you will find useful. | ||
| 17. | How many credits do I need to graduate from MSUM? | Currently, MSUM requires 120 credits to graduate. | ||
| 18. | Who do you talk to if you feel a professor is being unfair, especially if you are afraid to talk to him/her? | Either the chair of the department or the dean of the college the course is offered through should be able to assist you. | ||
| 19. | How should we address you? | The safest thing to do is call your professor. | ||
| 20. | Are most professors willing to meet one-on-one if I'm having trouble in a class? | The easiest way to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your professor is to telephone or e-mail the professor and set up a time during his or her normal office hours for you to meet. |