Dear Dr. George:

Since you are a university professor, I hope you will answer my question, as I am having trouble with one of my teachers at the university I attend. I don’t think he likes me very much, as I am not always prepared. I work after school to pay for my living expenses. I cannot get a student loan. It is extremely hard to keep up with all the assignments of my teachers, this professor’s assignments in particular. Please advise.

Signed,

FAILING FAST

Dear FAILING FAST:

As a university professor for many years, I can offer you some insight into trying to change this situation from a negative one to a positive one.

First, you have to tell yourself that, whatever it takes, you will keep up in this prof’s class. I know you work, but often professors are oblivious to the struggles of students who work after their classes.

I urge you to go and visit this professor during his office hours. Bring all work that he has assigned that you have not done. Give it to him, and tell him you are coming to talk to him, as you have not been an ideal student, but you want to change that. Explain your work situation so he understands you are just not just being lazy or unmotivated. I doubt that he will cut you any slack by dropping any of his course requirements, but he should sense from you that, by bringing all unfinished work, you are at least trying. Ask him what he suggests to get you back on track. Be very humble, and don’t push back on him suggesting that he is expecting too much from his students.

As soon as you leave his office, start your catch-up process that very day. In the next class, sit towards the front, as teachers sometimes assume that those in the front row are more serious than those who hide in the back. Look alert and give him eye contact when he is lecturing. Teachers respond well to those who pay attention in class. Don’t talk or whisper to anyone when the class is in progress unless a discussion may call for it. If you do not have any good insight, ask a question to the group as opposed to offering an opinion.

Do not cut this prof’s class at all. Be on time for class. Don’t dress sloppily. Looking like a serious student will impress upon the teacher that you are serious.

Find some students to work in a study group with you. Get with them before the next test or paper. Peers can motivate you to learn more, as being with them creates the healthy stress of your having to know more to participate.

Keep visiting your prof, but don’t overtax him, as he might see you as high-maintenance.

Finally, if you are still overwhelmed, you may consider dropping the class, as long as you are not penalized for it. An F or WF (withdrawal failing) grade will significantly hurt your overall G.P.A. Rather than dropping the course, go to one of the counselors in the college who may provide you with numerous resources, perhaps a tutor, without cost to you.

Don’t be a quitter. Finish this class. It couldn’t be much longer than 16 weeks. You can ride this out, and, even if you get a “C” grade, you are through with that class. There is a high correlation between students who drop an excessive amount of classes to their potential for finishing college. The more drops, the less likely it is that they will graduate.

I hope you read, heed and succeed with my advice. Good luck to you. And remember, there is no better investment than an education that culminates in a degree.

Dr. George Abraham is a business consultant author of “The Seven Deadly Work Sins Against the Golden Rule. He also formally served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra. Email confidential questions for advice to [email protected].