Starting college is a significant milestone. Whether you’re staying close to home or moving across the country, the transition from high school to community college or a four-year school can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the best ways to ensure success in the new school year is to get to know your instructors right away. Here are four questions you can ask them. 

4 Questions to Ask Your Instructor 

1. What Are Your Office Hours?

Community college instructors are known to be more accessible than others. Be sure you know when your instructor is available outside of class in case you need to ask for extra help. This also is helpful, so you know when they’re likely to be reachable via phone or email. Most instructors list their availability on the course syllabus.

2. How Can I Succeed In Your Class?

Obviously, attendance and attentiveness are essential, but are there other factors that can contribute to your success in this class? Ask your teacher how much time they expect their students to spend on homework and studying each week. A rule of thumb is for each college credit you take, plan to spend two to three hours on homework and studying per week. Also, inquire about the grading system and whether there are opportunities for extra credit. For instance, some instructors base grades solely on projects or tests, while others use homework assignments and quizzes as part of the overall grade.

3. What Kind of Cooperative Education Opportunities Are Available?

Not all programs require an internship or cooperative experience as part of the curriculum, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to find one. Even if it’s job shadowing someone in the field in which you are interested, it will be valuable as you gain more experience toward a career. While it gives you great experience and hopefully hands-on learning, it may also reveal that you aren’t a good fit for the program you selected.

No worries, Southeast Community College offers 60 technical and transfer programs to choose from. Similarly, you might ask your instructor about their experience in the industry, as many SCC instructors know their field of expertise because they actually worked in it.

4. What Assistance Is Available?

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and at some point, everyone is likely to need a tutor. Fortunately, most community colleges have free tutoring centers. Knowing ahead of time how academic assistance and tutoring works within the department can ease stress when the time comes for you to seek help.

If you’re looking at Nebraska colleges, consider Southeast Community College. SCC provides a range of degree, diploma and certificate options for students looking to transition straight into the workforce or to a four-year college or university. Call (402) 471-3333 to speak with a helpful staff member about their quality, affordable programs and online learning opportunities. Or visit the website to browse the catalog or class schedule.