The Forum

Before anything else, breathe and then without hesitation, talk with your professor. If at all possible, do this face-to-face either before or after class as time permits, during office hours, or virtually if that is an option. As each professor has different policies, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. But it is critical to communicate with your professor who can best guide you according to the specific requirements of a particular class. Additionally, you can check on your scores and any feedback available in Canvas, reassess your own attendance (and how to overcome obstacles standing in the way of getting to class), reflect on your own engagement (and ways to more actively participate), and reorganize your course materials to ensure timely assignment completion. 

Also, reach out to a classmate for support, often times other students can give great tips for how they are approaching the class. It can be overwhelming if you get behind or have a score that is lower than you anticipated, but getting back to the basics of staying organized, engaged, and in communication with your professor will go a long way toward your success. Wishing you all the best as you complete the semester!

-Erin Mignin, Assistant Professor of History