I highly recommend this "open letter." If you replace economics with physics, you will read a very concise statement of what I expect from my students.Dr. Mark Hollabaugh , Instructor
An Open Letter to My Students
by
Joyce C. Bremer, Assistant Professor, Economics
Oakton community College
Attending college is analogous to being employed. Success on the job is achieved only with hard work and effort. This is also true of college.
Your employer expects you to be on the job everyday and to be on time and prepared to work each day. You are allowed only a specific number of sick days each year after which your pay is "docked." This is also true of economics class. Regular and prompt attendance is essential, and your "sick" days are limited (see syllabus). Excessive absences will result in a loss of "pay" (grade).
Meetings are an essential part of the workplace, and everyone is expected to attend regularly and contribute to the discussion. If you miss an excessive number of meetings and /or not share vital information, your employment success is in jeopardy. The same holds true for this class. You are not only expected to attend all of our "meetings," but you are expected to contribute to our discussion and analysis of issues. This required that you come to each class prepared to discuss the assigned material. Failure to do so will put your success in jeopardy and can result in a reduction in your "salary" (grade).
Your employer requires you to submit all reports on time. Failure to do so will endanger your employer's business and your success. The same is true for this class. All "reports" (tests and papers) are due at the scheduled time (see syllabus). If, for a justified reason, you will not be able to meet the time schedule, you must notify me, just as you would contact your employer is you needed an extension. However, as in the workplace, such extensions do not come without a cost. Extensions result in a decrease in your "salary" (grade).
Performance reviews occur periodically in the workplace, and your employer determines the degree of your success during these reviews. Such is the case in this class. The "performance reviews" for economics class are quizzes and exams (see syllabus). These reviews require you to show your knowledge of the material, but also show your ability to use this knowledge in the real-world situations. Your "pay" (grade) depends upon the magnitude of your performance.
If you attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, and submit all materials, well-prepared and in a timely fashion, you have the potential to excel in this class. I am looking forward to working with you and to learning with you. I am always available if you need assistance. Welcome and good luck!
Joyce C. Bremer, Assistant Professor, Economics
For further information, contact the author at Oakton Community College, 1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-1268. E-mail: jbremer@oakton.edu