Author: Sofarelli, Rebecca

The best way to connect with an instructor is to become a “Distinctive Student” (Santrock). A “Distinctive Student” is a student who is serious about learning. “They come to class prepared, do assignments in a timely manner, call the instructor ahead of time if he/she has to miss a class, behaves appropriately in the classroom, asks related questions, and seeks assistance in a timely manner.” (Santrock)

Solving Problems with an
Instructor

Listed below are four problems that may prompt students to take self-protective action:
The course is taught at a higher level than anticipated.
Managing personal boundaries with instructors.
A disagreement concerning the completion or grading of assignments.
Problems concerning the instructor’s conduct.

Student Academic
Grievance Procedure

The Student Academic Grievance Procedure can be found in the Student handbook located at www.gulfcoast.edu under Current Students.

References

Lucier, Kelci Lynn. (n.d.). What to Do If You’re Failing a Class: Learn 4 Simple Steps for Making a Bad Situation a Little Better. About.com College Life. http://collegelife.about.com/od/academiclife/a/FailingAClass.htm
Your Guide to College Success: Strategies for Achieving Your Goals. (1999). Wadsworth Publishing Company – Santrock and Halonen – pp. 30-45.
Gulf Coast State College’s Student Handbook published by the Student Government
Association

For more information contact:

Leigh Bailey, Counselor 769-1551 x4861 lbailey@gulfcoast.edu
Becca Sofarelli, Academic Coach 769-1551 x2829 rsofarell@gulfcoast.edu

Compiled by
The Counseling Center
Of
Gulf Coast State College
August 2006 Last Update - September 2013, April 2015, May 2018, August 2020

Pathways to College Success

Freshman Survival Skills

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct is found in the GCSC Student handbook. The handbook is located at www.gulfcoast.edu under Current Students. Violation of any college rule, policy, regulation, or violation of any law on college premises, college sponsored or related activities, or activities which adversely affect the interests of the college community, including the standards listed in the GCSC Student Handbook subjects the student to disciplinary action according to published college disciplinary procedures.

Inappropriate Classroom
Behavior

Talking during class.
Eating, drinking, or chewing gum.
Being late or leaving early.
Creating disturbances.
Putting feet on desks.
Consistently complaining about assignments.
Wearing headphones and using electronic devices.
Sleeping in class.
Missing a lot of class.
Being unprepared.
Reading or doing other assignments in class.
Not paying attention.
Asking questions concerning issues that do not pertain to the class.
Making loud, unnecessary noises

Using a lap top for reasons other than taking notes.
Constantly interrupting the instructor.
Using offensive language.

Start Out on the Right Foot

Have the correct materials for the class.
Be prepared for class. Always read over the material for the next class. This will allow you to ask the right questions and get more out of the lecture.
Do assignments in a timely manner. Be aware of deadlines and begin assignments early.
Read and use the syllabus. Each class is given a syllabus containing information about the class, assignment due dates, and testing information.
Have academic integrity. Information concerning Gulf Coast cheating and plagiarism policies is available in the Gulf Coast State College’s Student Handbook located on the web site.
Be respectful in class. Getting upset in class is never the best solution. Challenging or asking questions can be done in a civil manner.
Stay focused. Day dreaming in class can be costly since you will miss out on important information. Stay active by taking notes. Being prepared for class will help you stay concentrated in class. Try to overcome distractions in class by sitting near the front, turning off electronic devices, and keeping an open mind to the discussion.
Check CANVAS and GCSC e-mail on a daily basis.

Failing a Class?

Ask for help as soon as possible. Talk with your instructor, meet with tutors, or talk with a counselor. For math courses the math lab is located on the second floor of Student Union East. For writing or foreign language assistance, contact the Writing/Reading lab located in the Rosenwall Building
Learn your options. Can you withdraw from the class and what are the consequences?
Take action. The earlier you seek help, the earlier your grades will get better.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Although this is not what you wanted to happen, just remember you are not the only person who ever failed a class. Use this as a learning experience and learn from your mistakes.

Relating to Instructors

Many students have a difficult time relating to their instructors. Students may feel that instructors are out to get them or they try to fail as many students as possible. Many students are intimidated by instructors, feeling that the instructor will think the student is “dumb” for asking a question.
In most cases this is not true. All instructors have posted office hours so that students may meet with them concerning problems with the class or to ask questions. Each instructor will also give students a syllabus with their name, phone number, office location, and e-mail address.