How to Establish a Good Working Relationship with your Instructors
These are my honest opinions regarding class etiquette and establishing a working relationship with your instructor. They are based on cases (both good and bad) that I have encountered in my many years of teaching.
Do meet with your instructors during office hours to introduce yourself and get tips on how to learn the course material.
Do arrive to class on time. If you need to arrive late, it's not a big deal (for most professors). Try to minimize the disturbance and try not to make a habit of arriving late.
Do turn off your cell phone before class begins. Ringing cell phones and texting (especially) are distractions to both the professor and to other students. Some professors have policies on laptop usage in class. Ask the professor ahead of time when in doubt. If you do use a laptop during class, note that checking your facebook account, emailing, and surfing the web are the most annoying things to professors because they are a distraction to other students around you.
Do inform your instructor at the start of the semester if you receive accommodations for testing, notetaking, etc. It is very important not to wait until just a few days before an exam to do this.
Do ask questions during class and do volunteer answers/comments when solicited by the instructor.
Do ask how your instructor wishes to be addressed. When in doubt, address your instructors as "Prof. [last name]"
Do accept the consequences for your actions. This applies to handing in assignments late, missed classes, etc. Of course, it can't hurt to ask for special consideration from the professor, but if the prof. does not offer any, it is probably because he/she is trying to be fair to the rest of the class (you know, all the students who did follow the rules/policies).
Do inform your professors of difficulties you are having. If it is inevitable that you will be turning in an assignment late or missing a class, always let your instructor know with as much advanced notice as possible. The worst thing you can do is keep your professor in the dark regarding your absences and late assignments (this shows a lack of consideration...so why should a professor offer you any consideration when you ultimately do show up).
Do read the course syllabus and expect its policies to be enforced.
Do enter each course with an open mind. Professors have many different teaching styles (and students have many different learning styles). Please keep in mind that college professors have many more years of experience than you do when it comes to knowing what works for his/her classes.
Do be respectful/polite to your professors and your fellow classmates. After all, you will be working with them for the entire semester and quite possibly at other times in your college career.