Handling Academic Difficulties

The Gospel According To Peanuts: A Tribute to Charles Schulz.

Stormy Weather?

• If you are have any difficulties with the course material, or are having difficulties in your life that are interfering with your academics, see your instructor immediately-- don't wait until it is too late.
  
  
• Many times there are options early in the course that simply don't exist later in the term. Think "ounce of prevention."
  
  
• Do not see your GTF-- go directly to your instructor.
  
  
• Don't delay, don't put it off-- see your instructor asap.
  
  
• Especially do not wait until late in the course: If you don't contact your instructor until Finals week, there's not much that can be done.
  
  
• Take this advice. You'll be surprised how much of a difference this can make for everyone involved. It applies to any class you're in, not just ours.
  
  
• Remember: Incompletes can't be used to forestall a failing grade.

Get to Know Your Teachers

If you're a student from a foreign country, you may not be accustomed to meeting directly with your instructors. At the University of Oregon, student/faculty interaction is encouraged.

Get to know your instructors-- interact with them in class and see them for asssistance during office hours. Office hours are also good for general academic advising. Faculty always enjoy getting to know their students.