Pro Tip: There’s No Such Thing As "Syllabus Week"

I hate to break it to you, but the truth is “Syllabus Week” is not actually a thing. The notion is perhaps a cross between an urban legend and wishful thinking. It is a Millennial creation, and lest I remind you—your professors are not of the Millennial generation.

I can hear you now…

Having taught at a university myself, I can assure you that, although the syllabus is covered the first day of class, professors don’t consider the first week of classes to be a blow off. Rather, most professors lecture and assign reading—and possibly homework—throughout the first week of classes. Say it isn’t so.

If you delude yourself into thinking “syllabus week” is actually a thing, you will most likely find yourself behind in every one of your classes. If you fail to attend class because you adhere to the notion of “syllabus week,” when you do decide to grace the class with your presence, you may find that you have been summarily dropped from the course roster.

Rather than blowing off class and going out every night, use the first week of classes to get organized and off to a good start.

Use this checklist to help you set the stage for a successful semester.

☐ Have I located all of my classes before the first day of school?

☐ Have I purchased my books and school supplies?

☐ Have I created my master notebook?

☐ Have I requested my accommodation letters?

☐ Have I delivered my accommodation letters to my professors?

☐ Have I created a master Semester At A Glance calendar with all of my assignments from my

syllabi?

☐ Have I recorded important dates in my phone calendar and set alerts/reminders?

☐ Have I created a weekly calendar scheduling my classes, commitments, meal times, exercise, church, etc.?

☐ Have I downloaded and printed any syllabi that were not distributed in class?

☐ Have I read my syllabi and made sure I understand the attendance policy, grading policy,

course structure, test dates, extra credit opportunities, etc.?

☐ Have I exchanged numbers with someone in each of my classes so I can get notes if I miss class,

seek clarification on assignments, etc.?

☐ Have I located a good study spot outside of my dorm?

☐ Have I printed any readings for the week from the learning management system (Canvas)?

☐ Have I printed the PowerPoint notes for this week’s classes to assist in note-taking?

☐ Have I purchased/picked up/adhered my parking sticker?

☐ Have I started healthy routines such as working out, packing a nutrition/protein snack for

between classes, etc.?

☐ Have I read the assigned readings and done the assigned homework?

☐ Have I called my mom and/or dad to tell them how I’m doing?

The first week of classes is a busy time, not a blow off time. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

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