I really enjoyed this course. It made me realize somethings I was doing well, and other areas that I could improve in. I agree with you all that students need to know on the first day what our expectations are. I go over the syllabus, and enunciate what is really important for them to know. The second time I meet with them, I may ask the class as a whole specific questions regarding the syllabus to ensure they really did hear and understand what is expected.

Yes, and much of that can be put in a course addendum.  I also create rubrics of my expectations for each assignment.  This usually eliminates questions students will have up front and when they get into completing the assignment.

I agree.  It allows the student to know exactly what is expected of him or her. 

I agree-expectations should be made clear; both verbally and in the syllabus.

Yes - I agree and this must occur on the first day of class.

How have you been able to keep it from going in one ear and out the other?