Now that most students are getting back in full gear for the spring semester, most professors are already expecting papers and setting up due dates and both students and professors are dreading that 8 a.m. class they scheduled, it’s time to talk about some classroom etiquette.

Being in a higher-education institution gives both professors and students some leeway in terms of treatment of each other and the handling of courses. The assumption being that both of these parties are adults.

Therefore, many practices used in high school are forfeited in college. One of which is the bell signaling the end of class.

However, just because the bell no longer rings, doesn’t mean class isn’t over.

There is nothing more frustrating than a professor saying, “And the last thing we’re going to cover today,” a minute before class ends.

By the same token, it must be equally frusterating for professors to watch students start packing five minutes before class ends.

Another discouraging practice professors undertake is hitting students with their version of the “cold truth.”

These professors would tell students how hard it is for a recent graduate to succeed or find a job in the “real world” or something among these lines.

Many students have already encountered first classes with such content.

While their words may have some truth to them, they service one purpose only – intimidation.

It’s easy to get used to certain habits while giving or taking a lecture, but it’s only the beginning of the semester.

Once a professor or a student trigger a hostile reaction from the other party, he or she is really starting off the semester on a bad note, leaving a lasting – yet unfavorable – impression.