Syllabus week challenges

I remember the first week of classes being much simpler last year. I think we must have been dismissed early on three separate occasions because professors had covered class expectations in a short amount of time. It seems that I’m somehow already drowning in homework. I already have tests to study for after only the first day of courses.

Part of the reasoning behind this, I believe, is to give students a chance to see how difficult the class will be before the drop date. My biology professor told us to consider taking a different class if we didn’t do well on the first quiz, and I agree with her. If I had known early on last year that one of my courses was going to be too involved to take online, I would have dropped it without having to withdraw.

I am almost thankful for being pushed right into the reality of the workload for each class because it will be less of a nasty shock later. It is helpful to know right away what you’re getting into. I encourage you all to take the time to figure out how the workload of your courses will increase over the semester and make sure you can handle it. Ask your professors about the timeline and assignments if you are unsure. They’re not trying to be mean by piling on homework so quickly.

It is in your best interest to find out if a different class would work better for you. Professors want to see you succeed. Finding an alternate class if you know you will have a hard time getting through your current one can lead to a better understanding of the subject.