Making the Grade: Part Two
Resources
Center Learning and Teaching
offers tutorial assistance in some introductory classes
and workshops in general study skills.
Tel: 255- 6310
Writing Workshop offers Writing 137/18 Freshmen Writing Seminars for students who have difficulty with writing, and the walk-in service to help students develop and revise papers 174 Rockefeller Hall; Tel: 255-6349
Internal Transfer Division (ITD) 220 Day Hall; 255- 4386
Wendy Schaerer ( wjs1@cornell.edu ), Associate Director of Admissions 410 Thurston Avenue; 255- 5386
In addition, each college has a registrar and a Student Service Office where you may seek assistance. Your advisor is here to advise you, so keep her/him informed of your academic situation and feel free to seek them out whenever you need assistance.
Academic Integrity
American academic institutions have an important code of ethics regarding use of published materials for research, written reports etc. Failure to cite the sources of reference is plagiarism and is a violation of the University's Code of Conduct. Students assume responsibility for the content and integrity of their academic work.
Students are subject to campus disciplinary proceedings if they knowingly represent the work of others as their own, give fraudulent assistance to another student, fabricate data to support laboratory or field work, forge a signature to certify completion or approval of any assignment. Helping a student during exams, either in-class or take home tests is also a violation of integrity. Thus, academic integrity requires that all submitted work, research written reports, examinations, term projects and laboratory reports be the students' own work. Details on academic ethics and the consequences of its violation and other student codes can be found in the Cornell Policy Notebook.
General Information
Be sure to read the syllabus given by Professors and Teaching Assistants (TAs) on the first day of class. The syllabus contains important information on texts to be used for the class, test dates, project due dates etc. Most professors and TAs have office hours that are open to all students in the class. Utilize this time to get to know the instructor, and discuss anything you don't understand. You can also make appointments to see your professors outside of their office hours.
Generally each class has frequent tests and exams. Most of the tests/quizzes and reports count toward your final grade. The final examination may count for up to 40-50% of the total grade. Class participation is an integral part of most courses in the US. Questions, comments, and peer critiques are expected and encouraged of all students and active class participation constitutes a significant determinant of the grade. If you are uncomfortable speaking English at first, practice casual conversation to increase your confidence and ability.