This document provides an overview and guidelines for a module on academic communication and excellence at Lambton College. It discusses communicating appropriately with instructors through in-person meetings, email, and checking one's college email account. The document outlines expectations for student accountability, taking tests/quizzes, submitting assignments on time in the proper format, and meeting deadlines. It concludes by offering tips for academic success such as finding a good study location, doing coursework daily to avoid cramming, seeking help to improve grades, writing things down, and maintaining health through diet, exercise and sleep.

1. Unit 2 Review
• You have 5min to complete the Unit 2 Review
Assignment individually or in pairs
• Be prepared to explain your answer(s) for
Question 1
• Question 2 should be in answered in complete
sentences
• Answers:
• 1. A,B,C,(E)
• 2. Yes, the material was plagiarized. Although
the student cited the first sentence, he/she did
not cite the second sentence which was an
obvious paraphrasing from material from the
original source

2. ACADEMIC
COMMUNICATION
& EXCELLENCE
CDN1001

3. Module
Overview
• To provide students with a comprehensive
overview of various academic policies and
procedures at Lambton College that may be
new to them
• To inform students on the most effective ways
of communicating with instructors and faculty
• To demonstrate the best ways to achieve
‘academic excellence’

4. PAIR BRAINSTORM
Spend 5min discussing the following with a partner before sharing with the class:
• What do you think this module will be about?
• How do you think your experiences at Lambton College will differ from your
experiences at your previous university or college?

5. PART I : ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION

6. WHAT IS “ACADEMIC COMMUNICATION”?
• Academic Communication is characterized by formal language, proper grammar and
is respective in tone
• All Academic Communication should be as clear and as detailed as possible.
Instructors or faculty might not have the time to “fill in the gaps”; students are
responsible for providing all the necessary information
• Respect is key. Instructors and faculty staff make every effort to communicate by
clear and supportive means, students should do the same
• The above applies to both verbal and written communication

7. COMMUNICATING IN PERSON
• Keep in mind what was discussed in the “Canadian Communication”
segment in Unit 1 (Canadian Culture & Society)
• Be respectful of the instructor or faculty staff's time. If you have multiple
questions, you should be probably be asking via e-mail. You should also be
conscious of other students who might be waiting their turn
• Avoid approaching instructors or faculty staff in pairs or groups, even if your
inquiry is similar. Instead; elect someone to speak on behalf of the group
and find out after what they have learned
• “Urgent” questions or concerns should always be made in person
• You may be required to make an appointment

8. COMMUNICATING VIA E-MAIL
• Each instructor will have a different policy on how to best get in touch with them
and when they are available outside of class to answer any questions.
• Be patient. Students should expect a minimum of 24hrs to 48hrs for a reply
• If you have not received a reply from an instructor or member of the faculty,
consider what was asked; is it a reasonable request? Is the message or inquiry clear?
Has a suitable amount of time passed? Was the appropriate person contacted?
• All Academic Communication by e-mail must include:
• First name and last
• Student number
• A clear indication of the inquiry in the subject line
WHY IS THIS
IMPORTANT?

9. MYLAMBTON E-MAIL ACCOUNT
• Your myLambton e-mail account is the best way to stay abreast of:
• Updates or new information from instructors
• Student opportunities
• Information regarding Co-op
• Students should check their myLambton e-mail at least twice a week
• Any e-mail correspondence with instructors or faculty staff should be conducted via
your myLambton e-mail account
• Students are responsible for activating their myLambton e-mail account and should
do so as soon as their accounts are ready (typically within 4 weeks)
• “I haven’t check my myLambton e-mail recently” is not an excuse! You can forward
your myLambton e-mail to your regular e-mail account

10. “YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH
HONEY THAN YOU DO WITH
VINEGAR”
• What does the expression above mean?
• Spend 5min with a partner and discuss possible meanings and how is it
applicable to communicating with instructors and faculty
"You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar" is generally
interpreted to mean that people will do more for you if you are nice/polite to
them rather than if you are mean/rude

11. PART II : ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

12. STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY
WHAT DOES
THIS MEAN?
• As we already discussed, Canadian are generally raised to be independent. This
practice carries over into academia where instructors expect students to be
accountable for their actions
• Students are responsible for staying informed on changes to policy and procedures
• Being absent from class is not an excuse! It is the responsibility of the student to find
out what was covered. “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse!

13. TESTS & QUIZZES
• Instructors might have different policies regarding test or quiz
procedures. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and
follow these policies
• Before beginning a test or quiz, student should write their name, and
student ID, and ensure that all pages are included
• When changing answers, make sure this is clearly marked as such
• It might take up to two weeks for an instructor to grade a test or quiz
• Always use a pen with blue or black ink. Do not use a pencil.

14. ASSIGNMENTS
• Instructors might have different policies or requirements for assignments.
Students are responsible for knowing and following these policies
• Assignments must be turned in on time and in the format specified (i.e. printed
or e-mailed)
• Always include relevant information on cover pages (name, date, course code)
whenever one is required and always include page numbers
• It might take up to two weeks for an instructor to grade an assignment
• Assignments are not permanently returned to students

15. DEADLINES
• Deadlines for assignments are fixed and are non-negotiable
• One minute late is still late
• Never leave an assignment to the last minute
• When submitting an assignment electronically, always use your
myLambton account
• Students should consult their copy of the Students Rights and
Responsibilities and Discipline for information on missed
deadlines on account of sickness

16. TIPS FOR ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Location, Location, Location...
•
Serious about getting work done? Find a good location. Use public libraries, cafes,
or empty classrooms
Make It a Habit: Do Coursework Every Day
•
Cramming is not conducive to understanding and retaining large amounts of
information. Time on your courses each day is the best way to learn. Use the your
half day out of class to stay on top of readings
Help Exists! Seek It Out and Improve Your Grades
•
Whether you're an 'A' student or a 'D' student, you can strengthen your skills. Get to
know your instructors. Attend as many on-campus seminars as you can
QUESTIONS?

17. TIPS FOR ACHIEVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Write It Down
•
Use a day planner or wall calendar. Plan time for coursework. Plan ahead for
assignments and exam periods.
Get Energized - Eat, Exercise, Sleep
•
Fatigue and stress weaken memory and comprehension. Eat properly, exercise
regularly, and get adequate sleep.
Do Something to Remember Key Information
•
Be active! Generate examples, create mnemonics, make summary notes, identify
key words, highlight textbooks, or add margin notes. Improve your memory by
being creative and interested.
QUESTIONS?