To Our Students:

Welcome to the Communication Department! Your instructor may choose to share the ten expectations below with you. These standards or "norms" for success address attitudes and behaviors beyond the good practices you have already acquired in your years of experience in educational environments. Some of these are "givens" that fall under the heading of routine but sometimes unstated premises that operate in healthy classrooms. We believe that noting expectations early in the semester will help you to be a successful learner, provide benefits for other students in the class, save time, and assist your instructor in conducting effective class sessions that offer every student the opportunity to be heard and acknowledged as a productive course participant. Your instructor will discuss variances in the expectations with you. We are, after all, individuals whose standards may differ. We hope you will talk to your instructor about your expectations as well. The most constructive classroom environment will be one that encompasses the best that everyone - instructor and students alike - can offer to produce a positive learning experience...and that is what Santa Barbara City College is all about.

1. Attend classes regularly, be on time, and stay for the entire class period. In most courses, students receive attendance credit/points but the points are less important on a day-to-day basis than what you will miss by unnecessary absences and what your classmates will lose in not having your discussion contributions. Late-comers are a distraction to everyone. Anticipate challenges and try to plan for them. For example, it is well-known that finding a parking spot at 10:00 a.m. is difficult. Plan your schedule with enough flex time to accommodate circling the lots until you find a slot.

2. Participate in class discussion. Some courses have "participation" points and others do not. Your discussion contributions are important in either case. Be a positive force in your classroom interaction. Ask questions, express your opinions, and make yourself known as someone who is actively involved.

3. Use the instructor's office hours. This time is set aside explicitly for you to talk with your teachers. You don't have to come with a monumental issue or problem (although these are good times to drop by). Students often use office hours to:

a. introduce themselves to the instructor.
b. provide important information about unique challenges such as learning disabilities, child care issues, and potential conflicts with work responsibilities outside the college. Crucial factors known in advance are likely to be better accommodated than last-minute surprises.
c. ask questions about course material and/or discuss individual problems. In many cases, the instructor will never know your concerns unless you speak up.
d. pass the time of day sharing insights and observations. The office hour is yours. A casual and non task-oriented visit may produce positive results on both sides.

4. Avoid speaking with your instructor about significant issues immediately before and after class as s/he is trying to either get everything ready for one class or prepare for the one starting in 10 minutes. Use office hours, e-mail, or telephone messages to contact the instructor on important items. The SBCC voice mail allows you 24-hour access. We will return calls promptly if we are not in when you call. (Leave your name and phone number).

5. Understand that instructional memory is not flawless. Many of us have 150 students and more. It is hard to recall all the details of your class performance without help. If you want to discuss, for example, your progress from one assignment to the next, bring along instructor critiques and any other helpful notes to the meeting with your instructor. Be prepared to explain your issue or complaint. If videotape is available, review it before discussion with your instructor. If you have questions about a grade, write out your reasons so your teacher can see the specifics.

6. Take notes in class. Informed discussion is far more likely to arise from documented notes than hazy recall. Notes will also aid study for exams.

7. Read assignments in the text and comply with homework expectations on the dates assigned. Bring materials required (Scantron answer sheets, pencils, etc.) when needed. Don't expect others to bail you out if you neglect your responsibilities.

8. Review the syllabus periodically. Ask questions if you have them. Know what is expected. If you don't know, ask.

9. Participate in class activity appropriately: This involves such disparate behaviors as listening to others and acknowledging opposing viewpoints, choosing language that avoids uselessly antagonizing others (obscenity, personal attacks, hostile or sarcastic comments, etc.), blatantly reading The Channels or some other non-course-related text while class matters are in progress, talking with other students while someone else (who has the floor) is trying to speak, and taking a nap during class. Some of these negative behaviors may seem barely worth mention but they do occur and they do influence classroom interaction. Most of the courses in the Communication Department are relatively small. One person's distracting behavior can have a larger impact than you might imagine. For the student or students trying to present a speech, a group project, a review of the literature, and so forth, audience members who appear to be dozing or paying no attention whatever, present an extremely bothersome problem. Your responsibility as a student of Communication theory and practice includes being an open, alert, courteous, and receptive listener, as well as a competent presenter.

10. Take responsibility for your education. Excuses and rationalizations should be eliminated from your academic repertoire. Know that your instructors are human and predisposed to trust rather than doubt you. If you "get away" with a faked illness or fabricated emergency, you may find that the inevitable result hurts you more than anyone else.

Learning is not a game or a contest to discover who is most adept at bending/breaking the rules to suit individual needs. It is an opportunity to prepare for life, professional requirements, and individual success - both as a singular human being and a contributing member of an enduring social network. You are attending Santa Barbara City College in the interest of your own professional advancement and the enhancement of the society in which you live. We are here to help you give both of these aims your best shot. Help us, and we will do our best to help you.