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    • Making the Grade


    What You Need to Know

    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.

    Theoretically, each credit involves one hour of in-class instruction and two hours of outside study per week. However, you may find some courses more challenging than others having the same number of credits. If you have taken Advanced Placement exams and are wondering what kind of placement or credit you might receive at Cornell, refer to the chart about AP and International Credentials sent to you. If you have not received this chart, stop by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) located in B-50 Caldwell Hall. Students in the College of Arts & Sciences should take their documents to their college registrar. If you think you deserve credit for qualifications other than those recognized by Cornell, take the AP exams during Orientation Week. Dates, times and places for these are listed in the Orientation Handbook.

    Changing Classes

    Students may adjust their schedules during add/drop/change periods. A form is completed by the student and signed by both the student's adviser and an appropriate representative of the department offering the course (an instructor, department staff member, or college registrar, depending on the college). The completed and signed form must be returned to the student's college office to be processed. Professional schools, Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, and the Department of Physical Education and Athletics have different course enrollment and add-drop policies. See the Course Catalog for more information. You have three weeks each semester to officially ADD, CHANGE GRADING OPTIONS, AND CHANGE VARIABLE CREDITS. You have seven weeks to drop. You should be using the add/drop forms obtained from your college registrar. Changes after these dates will have to be authorized by your advisor and a fee will be charged. Since final add/drop dates vary for different colleges, check with your college registrar. Since many courses are sequential, some classes may be necessary pre-requisites for others. Consult with your academic advisor for details.

    IMPORTANT! Maintain Your Student Status

    Remember that except in certain situations (which have to be approved in advance), if your total course load drops below 12 credits, you will not be a full-time students and your visa status will be invalidated. If you have further questions about this, please consult ISSO.

    Looking For Help

    If you find yourself having trouble in some classes, don't panic. It is usually difficult for professors to seek out students especially in large classes. Hence you must take the initiative. Seek assistance from Teaching Assistants (TAs), professors, friends or other resource centers on campus.

    There are many resource centers on campus that offer tutorial and academic support services such as the John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines, Mathematics Support Center, and the Center for Learning and Teaching, to name a few. Visit or call the offices listed to get the most current details of the workshops and other services they offer each semester. Utilizing the different resources on campus during times of difficulty can reduce your stress.

    On Campus 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.