In essence, my introduction to the course is spread over three class meetings. Include old exams as part of syllabus package . . . The very first day of class, I give the students a copy of the syllabus itself and class policies. That gives them a very complete description of the kind of class I am going to lead. From that very first day, they know what is expected of them, what work they must do, how often and when they are going to have a quiz or exam, what they have to do before, during and after each class.
Several people drop the class that same day in view of the work.
But I want them to know what is ahead of them, to be prepared and to do their work, with no excuses. The syllabus package includes old exams for their own preparation, self study tips and guides, songs and other activities that I plan to do during the semester. There is also a breakdown sheet so that they can have a pretty good idea of what their grade is at any time. As you see, not only do they get an idea of the kind of person and professor I am, and what kind of class mine is going to be, but they also have all the material together. They cannot say they did not get it because they were absent, or that they left some material at home and the like.