College Survival Guide/Etiquette

Your position as a student

Improve the society with your acquired knowledge.

Your rights as a student

Typically outlined in a student handbook.
Generally includes reasonable free speech, and especially speech of academic nature, at public universities in the United States.
Generally includes the right to be secure and free from threats.
Generally includes the right to due process for alleged conduct violations, as well as the right to be informed about such accusations.

Talking in Class

Active Learning Class

Most professors take an active learning approach, and ask for student participation. In these Classes

Volunteer.
Be an inspiration to the class.
Avoid unacademic activities.

Passive Lectures

Some professors prefer to lecture with no interruption. This is distinct from a professor who welcomes participation, but who's lecture style makes it difficult to participate.

Write down your questions, ask them after the lecture.
Stay focused and engaged. Pay attention to the professor and any demonstrations or board work performed.
Take notes or do practice problems if possible.

Not Talking in Class

Rules of Thumb:

If you don't know something, ask the professor a question.
If talking in class is not required, try to not talk too much, with the following exceptions:
1. If the professor wants dialogue to make a point, and nobody is speaking up, you should take the initiative and bite.
2. Some professors will be strict about not talking during a lecture, but absolutely encourage talking during post lecture Q&A's.
If you are angry at the professor, email the professor or talk to the professor outside of class.
1. Consider writing your thoughts out and articulating your points before you send a hasty message.
2. Consider waiting a day, or asking an uninvolved peer if your grievance is justified.
If the class is behind on lectures and covering new material, it is considerate at times to let class conversations die down for a few days.