By Alison Seagle

The spring semester is just entering its fourth week of classes. School loads are beginning to increase and many syllabuses forecast exams.

As course loads get harder and more routine, students looking to do well might want to abide by their professor’s advice. A few professors were interviewed about their pet peeves and advice on how to succeed.

Bonnie Mendenhall, Professor in the School of Education:

-Pet Peeve: “When I try hard to make everything clear but then a student asks a question about something I covered—I have to count to 10 before I answer.”

-Advice: “Communicate with the professor and let them know what’s going on, like if an assignment is going to be late. It’s better to be proactive.”

Jule Gómez de García, Professor of Linguistics, Liberal Studies Department:

-Pet Peeve: “When a student knows they’re having trouble and I know they’re having trouble but they don’t come for help—they’re invited and they don’t come.”

-Advice: “Imagine that you have 10 percent more confidence and act like you have 10 percent more confidence and see what happens, see what you can accomplish.”

Sherry Freeborn, Professor in the School of Education, ICP Coordinator:

-Pet Peeve: “It bothers me when students send frantic emails asking for information or due dates or whatever and then don’t respond after I’ve replied. It is courteous to thank the person who has taken the time to answer.”

-Advice: “Organize your schedule. Put your school work first but be sure to set aside fun time for yourself—strive for balance.”

Juliet Falce-Robinson, Professor of Linguistics, Liberal Studies Department:

-Pet Peeve: “Lack of email etiquette when communicating with professors—using email like it’s text messaging.”

-Advice: “Make the effort to get to know professors on a personal level—go to office hours.” “Focus on the information being taught, not the grade. Care about the learning and you will learn more.”