What to Do on the First Day of Class

1. Classrooms
Make it a habit to check out your assigned room in advance, to see if it has the features you
were expecting. If you must change rooms, ask your department room scheduler.
For physical classroom maintenance problems (desks, chairs, windows, chalk, blackboards,
etc.), you can contact Classroom Central:(link is external) 642-2800.
For audio/visual equipment requests, contact Educational Technology Services(link is
external) 643-8637.

2. Waiting Lists and "Shopping"

Every department has a different method for handling waiting lists, so check with your
departmental administrative assistant or a colleague.
Remember that in many classes, students are "shopping" on the first day, don't be surprised if
there is turnover. This should not prevent you from conducting the first class as if all those
present will be there for the duration.

3. The First Day of Class

Here are some ideas for the first day of class:

 Be Early. Arrive 5 minutes early for class. Whether inside or outside the classroom, let
students know that you are ready to talk with them: smile, nod, make eye contact, chat,
whatever suits your style.
 Shake Hands. This simple gesture is powerful. In a large class, greet a few. You will find that
those who are welcomed are more ready to respond in class.
 Have Students Meet. Have students greet someone else in the class. Even if this ritual
takes only 30 seconds, you should find that your class warms up considerably. Add some
fun: have students use greeting rituals from various cultures, or ask students to create and
lead the daily greeting (no embarrassing tricks allowed).
 Social Ice Breakers. While often misunderstood and over-used, the right ice breaker can
help a group of students get over the chill of anonymity.
 Attention Grabber. Use a problem or a demonstration to capture students' imaginations
about what is to come. Often, an intriguing example will provide a guiding context for the
material that follows.
 Make a real beginning to class. Not just on the first day, but every day. Don't say "We
might was well get started" or "Let's get started." Try instead, "Good Morning, I'm Professor
xyz. Welcome to Sociology 10."
 Use the whole class period, tell your students about yourself, discuss your teaching-
learning philosophy, demonstrate your mode of teaching, cultivate your students' trust, foster
a spirit of free and open inquiry, display your enthusiasm for the subject, and finally, display a
sense of humor.
 Don't run out of time. Have a real ending to the class, especially on the first day. Conclude
with something like "I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday."
 Consider handing out a questionnaire, "pre-test," or quiz to get to know your students, and
to let them know what they will need to know. (See Sample First Day of Class
Questionnaire.)
 Class Rules Set #1
1. Arrive on time.
2. Raise your hand before speaking.
3. Listen to others and participate in class discussions.
4. Use the pencil sharpener during noninstructional time.
5. Stay on task.
6. Do your assignments.
7. Bring materials and have them ready.
8. Listen to directions.
9. Cooperate with your group.
10. Pick up after yourself.
11. Leave other people's materials alone.
12. Do not interrupt other students' learning.
13. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
14. Keep your hands clean and take care of personal hygiene in the rest room during breaks.
15. No vandalism. Don't write or carve on your desk or school property.
16. Treat computers with care.

Class Rules Set #2

1. One person at a time leaves the room with the hall pass.
2. Clean your work station appropriately.
3. Absolutely no food, drink, gum, or candy permitted.
4. Do not come to class late without a hallpass.
5. Be organized and prepared for class.

Class Rules Set #3

1. Come to class prepared to learn. (Pencils sharpened, pen, paper, and notebooks)
2. Respect all property. (School property, personal property, and other's property)
3. Respect all ideas given in class and do not criticize anybody's ideas or thoughts.
4. Do your very best!