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Developing a positive relationship requires that you understand your professors: Who they are, what they value and the expectations they hold for you as a college student. It also means taking the time to reevaluate your possibly erroneous assumptions or beliefs about professors so that a more productive relationship has a chance to flourish.


PROFESSORS: WHAT THEY VALUE-WHAT THEY DO?

The reality of going to college is that you will encounter a variety of professors with diverse personalities and teaching styles, therefore, it is difficult to generalize about them. However, it is important to understand that common among professors is the high value they place on learning. Becoming educated means more than earning a degree to get a job. While this is very practical and understandable motivation for you, your professors hope you will come to appreciate and view learning as an ongoing process that greatly affects your life.

In addition to placing a high value on learning, college professors value "teaching." Although some may be better at teaching than others, most college professors genuinely love to teach and are excited by their subjects. They also understand the special challenge of teaching in an urban public college, such as John Jay, and hold a high respect for their students.

Beyond teaching, college professors have many other responsibilities. In fact, time in the classroom represents a relatively small percentage of their work week. A good portion of time is spent reading books and articles to keep current with their field of specialty, preparing for class, grading papers, etc. Professors may spend time conducting experiments, reviewing manuscripts or writing journal articles or books. They often attend conferences where they report their research. Many are requested to give professional talks around the country. The remainder of their time is spent serving on college committees, performing administrative duties, or becoming involved in university projects. Most professors have office hours in which they are available to advise students. The job of a college professor involves a tremendous amount of hard work, but most professors agree there are many rewards.


WHAT PROFESSORS DO PROFESSORS EXPECT FROM STUDENTS?

Your college instructors have different and higher expectations of you than your high school teachers may have had. They believe, for example, that since it is "your decision" to attend college, it is not the professor's primary function to motivate you. They expect you to enter their classes purposefully, with a positive attitude and sincere desire to learn. A positive attitude toward learning must be expressed by your attitude and behavior in and out of class. The best way to examine what is expected of you is to share with you a summary of the most frequently reported responses by college professors who were asked the following questions:

QUESTION: What students are most likely to be successful in class and in college?

PROFESSORS' RESPONSES

* Students who are mature and serious about college.

* Students who assume responsibility for all work assigned.

* Students who are active learners.

* Students who respect and value learning each other and the professor.


RESOLVING STUDENT /PROFESSOR CONFLICTS

There may be times when you disagree with your professor. If the disagreement concerns a grade you received which you consider unfair, you should start by making an appointment with the professor to discuss your feelings, to understand why you were given this grade and to provide evidence to support your position. If after this discussion, you still feel that you've been treated unfairly, you can discuss this situation with the chair of the academic department. If the situation still remains unresolved, you have the right to appealyour grade to the Academic Review Committee on campus.

To initiate this procedure you must file the appropriate forms obtained in the Registrars Office (Room 4113N). This office will forward yourinformation/ material and notify the professor of your action. The Academic Review Committee submits its decision and reasons for its judgement to the Registrar's Office. The decision of the committee is final.


SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING STUDENT/ PROFESSOR RELATIONSHIPS

* Make an effort to have the professor know and recognize you.

* Ask question; but not to the point of annoyance.

* Come to class regularly and on time! Take notes.

* Never talk or whisper while your professor is lecturing or when another student is speaking.

* Don't try to "get over" on your professors.

* Visit your professor during his/her office hours.

* Don't hesitate to talk to your professor if you are confused about something or have a complaint.

* Don't expect your professors to become your personal counselors.