I have some suggestions that I think will help you be successful in this course.

First, come see me during office hours or set up an appointment!  You don't have to wait for a scheduled conference.  I'll be glad to talk about ideas, read and comment on drafts, work with you on style, grammar, punctuation, etc.  Also, you can reach me with your questions at the via e-mail.  Or call me at the phone number listed above.  (Please do not call me just to tell me you'll miss class!)

Second, I also suggest that you collaborate with other students in the course.  We'll have peer conferences during class, and there's no reason why you can't extend those groups beyond class:  you could set up a writing group and meet regularly outside of class.

Third, there are a number sites on campus where you can receive advice on assignment, in particular the Sweetland Writing Center--also known as ECB--on the first floor of Angell Hall.  Also, there is the On-line Writing Lab (OWL) at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/swc/help/help.html.