Whether you’re a business major or a biology major, we can all relate to the universal beginning of every class: Syllabus Day. The day that your professors (or 'profs' if you’re hip and trendy) throw everything at you at once and expect you to absorb their rules, expectations, and teaching styles in a matter of 60 minutes. Going into my senior year, I have had my fair share of Syllabus Days and I can regurgitate almost every single word that will be on those sheets of paper passed out on the first day. Given my close acquaintance with them, I've complied a few phrases that, despite how unique they tell you their class is, all profs use in their syllabuses (syllabi?).

1. “If you think this is an easy A…you’re dead wrong.”

This is a fair and expected phrase you will probably either find in the syllabus or hear at some point throughout the first or second class period. It’s a loaded statement and honestly every class can be an easy A…if you work hard enough. So don’t let this deter you or scare you into dropping the class (hint: that’s kind of what they want sometimes BUT NOT YOU, YOU ARE A WARRIOR READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD OF STATISTICS ONE PROBABILITY SCENARIO AT A TIME).

2. “I don’t have an attendance policy.”

Another loaded statement. They legitimately might not have an attendance policy, but they could have surprise pop quizzes which are potential missed points that add up quick, fast. Save yourself the headaches/anxiety. Go to class. You (or your parents) are paying thousands upon thousands to be there…please just go to class.

3. “Don’t ask when my office hours are.”

Seriously don’t. Office hours are printed at the top of the syllabus along with their email, phone number, office number, pet’s name, favorite sports team, etc…. (okay, that was a stretch, but they literally put everything you need at the top of the page.) Save yourself the embarrassment and read the whole thing front to back before you ask ANY questions, because you don’t want to be pegged as that kid who “doesn’t read the directions” on the first day of class.

4. “Don’t be late to my class.”

This may seem really mean and unfair at first but look at it this way: If you’re constantly 10 minutes late to a job, what’s going to happen? Your boss will get sick of it and you probably won’t be employed very long. They really are preparing us for the real world. But things happen, I understand, and believe it or not, your professors actually do have hearts too, guys. I’m sure they would understand if you got a flat tire or had a family emergency, but “The line at Starbucks was suUuUuUuper long” is not a legit excuse (speaking from personal experience, Sorry Dr. Chandler, freshman year was a learning curve for ya girl.)

5. “If you do the homework and come to class, you will pass my class.”

This is SUCH a universal, guys. If you put in the effort and show that you care about the material and work your tail off, professors will see that. You might be the worst test taker in the entire world, but if you’re in their office hours every week trying to learn the mysteries of Glycolysis, then your professor will remember that come test day. I actually had a prof that gave extra credit if you went to tutoring. FREE EXTRA CREDIT, JUST FOR ASKING FOR HELP (Dr. S, your genetics class was the hardest thing I’ve ever put myself through, but you are a GREAT lady for this). Just work your hardest and put forth your best effort and no professor on this planet could fail you (*chants* C’s get degrees, C’s get degrees).