Your teachers will work very hard this session. They will meet every class, they will spend time preparing for class and grading your homework, and they will be available to give you individual help. In return, they will expect an equal effort from you. You should know that learning a new language is hard work. It will not be enough just to come to class. Those who make good progress do a great deal more:
Here are our expectations for you:
ATTEND CLASS REGULARLY.
You are required to attend at least 85% of all classes. Good students often have an attendance record of 100%. You cannot make progress if you are not in class. Furthermore, students on F-1 visas must be in class 85% of the time to stay in status with the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
COME TO CLASS ON TIME.
Classes begin on time, so please come on time. If you are frequently late to class, the time missed will add up to an absence.
DO ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS.
You cannot make progress if you do not do your homework assignments regularly. You cannot earn credit for the course if you turn in less than 85% of all homework assignments.
TURN IN ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME.
You miss most of the benefit of the assignment if you turn it in after the class has discussed it. Your teachers are not required to accept any late homework.
TAKE ALL SCHEDULED TESTS AND QUIZZES.
Your instructors are not required to reschedule any tests that you missed.
COME TO CLASS PREPARED.
If you missed a class, you are responsible for calling your teacher or a classmate and coming to the next class with all the assignments done.
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS.
In some cultures, students are expected to sit quietly in class and not speak, but this is not true in the U.S. Here, good students speak up when the teacher asks a question, and they themselves ask questions if they don't understand. Learning a language is an active process; passive students do not make as much progress as students who actively participate in class.