Have you ever had that one teacher that never seems to smile, doesn’t appreciate your jokes and gives your class the hardest exams? Of course, a lot of those are hard to come by at this university, especially within the Honors Program. However, here are some tips that are sure to please any professor that you come across in your years at the University.

1. Actually show up to class. You’ll be one of the few that come to every class. I know it’s hard, but go when it is raining/sleeting/you think there might be a tornado going through because it’s so windy. Odds are, on a day like the latter your teacher might be giving a few extra credit points for those willing to make the trek for that lecture, and will probably let you out early. They’ll notice you.
2. Say hi at Starbucks (and take note of their drink). I know everyone is always wary of chatting up their professor outside of class for fear or looking like a suck-up. Let’s be clear about one thing. I’m not advocating for you to suck up to your professor for a better grade. Just realize that they’re a real person too. However, it would be smart to take note of their drink in the case that you have a final exam on your birthday and you’re trying to get it moved. (Hey, I didn’t say I wasn’t advocating bribes).
3. Resist the desire to check your phone/laptop. I have one professor in particular that doesn’t allow technology in his class. If you’re a COMM student, you know who I’m talking about. I realized that it really doesn’t matter though. I’m less distracted during class and don’t mind my GenY mind wandering as often as when I take notes on a laptop. Especially in a small class, a teacher will be impressed if you’re not checking your phone every five minutes or staring at your laptop rather than the front of the room. It shows self control.
4. Take advantage of office hours. Needless to say, office hours are there for a reason. Granted, they’re probably getting some work done on the side, but otherwise I can only imagine they’re watching cat videos on YouTube (like this). So… stop in and ask a question about something related to the material you went over yesterday in class. Making a personal connection with your professor could bring about more than just a good grade, but you may also tap into a whole new network for your future career!

How do you connect with your professors outside of the traditional lectures?

Take it easy.

~Chelsey Rodowicz

So Blue Hens, it’s that time of year again. No, not the time when seniors clock-out and spend their last seven weeks of undergrad dreading real life and the g-word. It’s scheduling time, folks.

I have found that students either love or hate scheduling. Personally, I live for this time of year. Halfway through the semester I start obsessively checking the course catalog to see if it’s updated or not. The picture you see here, it’s color-coded and sums up my craziness about scheduling. Lucky for me, I only have seven classes left to take before I graduate!

I wanted to pass along a few tips that I have learned over the years when scheduling, applicable to all years (well, not second semester seniors).

1. Plan in advance. This is the public relations brain at work here, but planning is essential. There’s a reason I check far in advance for the course catalog and have this sheet full of color-coded classes. Trust me, that was not my first sheet. I went through all of my major and minor requirements, AP credits that transferred and breadth requirements to see which classes I would need to take and when they were offered. Since I took that extra hour freshman year, my scheduling has been a breeze ever since.
2. Create two tentative schedules. Write down your first-choice classes and that schedule and then write an alternative one for those classes that might be filled when you go to register. Luckily, as Honors students we register before the rest of the students in our year, but nothing is guaranteed if you’re going for a higher-level class. Be proactive.
3. Hook up to a landline. I know that this isn’t always possible, especially since UD always gives us scheduling times during class, and let me stress always. If you can’t hook up to a landline or register from home and you’re forced to register in class, register for the courses that have a small number of seats left first. That way you may sure you’re not missing out on a class because of a slow internet connection. Luckily however, most of our academic buildings have pretty serious WiFi. This was not the case in my residence hall for the first half of my freshman year.
4.  If you seriously get stressed, phone a friend. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire had something going there. I know a few friends who dread making their schedules. If you’re one of those people, ask a friend who’s like me to help you out. I’m a planner and things like that excite me.
5.  Last but not least, talk with your advisor. This was the biggest help to begin my planning. Utilize them, that is what they’re there for.

Good luck with your scheduling! For those Honors freshmen out there, just be glad you’re not scheduling for colloquium again this semester.

~Chelsey Rodowicz