In my first class I always give a brief background on myself, both personal and professional. I want student to know that I am an expert at what I do and that they are in good hands and I also want them to know I am a person with outside interests. I go over the course expectations, I try to joke a little and get them to relax. I always let them know they do not have to call me professor or Mr. Melle that will do just fine. I find this gives them my expectations but also relaxes them some as well.
