1.5 How do I get started?

In order to be successful in this course (and in college generally) there are some basic pieces of information that you should have right away, even before you begin your first lessons in College Composition.

The Course Syllabus is a written description of the goals, policies, and requirements of a college course. You will receive a syllabus from your instructor for each course you take at LCCC, most likely on the very first day of class. These documents contain important information about what you will learn in the course, what assignments you will complete and how they will be graded, and what other requirements you must meet in order to be successful. You should review your syllabus carefully and ask your instructor for clarification about anything you don’t understand. Pay particular attention to the course policies, especially those that cover attendance, late work, and plagiarism.

Canvas is LCCC’s learning management system (LMS), an online resource that you will use to complete your college courses. In College Composition, your instructor will use Canvas to send announcements, collect your assignments, post your grades, share important documents (like the syllabus, handouts, or recorded lectures), and even host online discussions. Whether your College Composition course is in-person or online, you should expect to log on and make regular use of Canvas.

Office Hours are a block of time that your instructor sets aside to meet with students. Though you will interact regularly with your instructor in your virtual or on-campus classroom, office hours are a time to receive extra one-on-one assistance. Part of learning to be successful in college is learning how to make use of opportunities like office hours. That said, not every instructor offers office hours. If yours does, they will be posted in your course syllabus. Your instructor may set aside the same time every week (for instance, Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 – 4:00) or may offer them “By Appointment,” which means you can negotiate a time that works for both of you.

Emailing your professor is another way to get help. Even if your instructor does not hold office hours, they will likely invite you to contact them via LCCC email or the Canvas Inbox so that they can answer your questions. If you do email your instructor, be sure that you write an email that is courteous and professional. That means introducing yourself, stating your questions clearly, and signing off politely. An appropriate email might look something like this:

Hello Professor,

This is Brianna Jones from your English 161 class, section P123. After reading the course syllabus, I don’t think I understand the policy about submitting late work. Could you please clarify for me? I’m happy to schedule an appointment if you’re available.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Brianna

The Writing Center provides support for students enrolled in College Composition or for any student seeking assistance with their writing. There, you can schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a writing coach who will offer guidance as you plan, draft, or revise your writing. Your instructor may ask you to visit the Writing Center at some point during the semester, or you might decide on your own that you need some additional assistance. Taking advantage of the Writing Center’s services will be especially important if you are enrolled in English 061 or English 051.

The Writing Center is located on the second floor of the Stocker Arts building (Room 217). You can visit the Writing Center’s website for additional information about services and scheduling an appointment.

The Bass Library offers several services that are useful for students working on their writing. This is especially true if you are doing research for your English 162 course. On the Bass Library website, you will find information about the library’s hours of operation, how to email or live chat with a librarian who can answer your questions, or how to start your research project. You can also visit the Circulation Desk to check out materials that your instructor has put on reserve for your course.

LCCC’s Academic and Student Support Services can assist you throughout your time at the college. Whether you would benefit from financial assistance, accessibility accommodations, childcare, counseling, or similar resources, the college has staff members who are dedicated to helping you. Explore the Student Resources website for a full list of these services. You will also find a Student Resources link on Canvas.

For additional assistance, you can contact LCCC’s Student Services Navigator, who will help to connect you to the resources that you need. The Navigator will also assist in resolving student complaints and concerns if they arise. That said, if you are experiencing difficulties in one of your courses, the first individual you should talk to is your instructor.

Works Cited

Watson, C. Edward and Kathryne Drezek McConnell. “What Really Matters for

Employment?” Liberal Education, vol. 104, no. 4, 2018, www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/

2018/fall/watson_mcconnell. Access 16 April 2021.