Instructor Roles
Instructors who lead the student's first class on campus have an important role in setting expectations. It's very important the instructor models professionalism in every aspect of student interaction; this sets the expectation of professionalism for the entire lentgh of the program. Students who follow the instructor's example and 'model' this level of professionalism have a good chance of being successful. Instructors who are rather loose (language, punctuality, dress, etc.) almost set the students up for failure, as the student will have a significantally more difficult time on campus and in the workplace if they 'model' these examples of unprofessional behavior.
I agree that the students whole learning experience can be made or broken in the first class. It is important that they understand all the expectations of the school, the class, the instructor and their fellow students.
I think it is also important to maintain the same expectation and professionalism in all the classes the student will attend thru out thier education at the campus.
