BACK TO COLLEGE: 3. Ms. Snark offers some hints on the proper use of a course outline. (Yes, she insists on using the wrong word to describe the working timetable, but the advice is sound.)

Actually, it is in your best interest to read all your [course outlines] with a discerning eye; make sure you understand every due and test date and every assignment direction, and if something is not clear, ask questions. If you feel intimidated, e-mail your prof (in a respectful, formal manner, of course).

That means proper spelling and capitalization, u gt my drft? (Railroad telegraphers anticipated all the text-message shortcuts about 100 years ago.)