Enrolled myself on one to increase my confidence on my connie on tight turns (read U-turns) and sudden stops. As much as I tried to get some fall protection, I have not been able to get any due to funds being diverted to other 'necessary' stuff. This is my first rider course and want to see if you guys got any pointers for me.

Good on you...  education is a good thing and skill development and practice will only help your riding in the long term.  Which course?  The MSF Advanced Ridercourse (ARC-ST) should not be confused with the BRC2, formerly known as the Experienced Ridercourse (ERC).  Having never taken any rider education I usually suggest going with the BRC2 first.  The BRC2 covers topic such as Max braking, swerving, cornering, and limited space skills (i.e. u-turns).   Be well rested and bring plenty of water to drink.   You'll be outside most of the day... Maybe consider sunblock.

I belive it is indeed the ERC conducted by Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Pointers...

1) Be well rested.
2) Stay Hydrated.
3) Some states require you to have all your documentation with you (motorcycle license, reg, insurance)
4) Wear required gear (DOT approved helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, long pants, over the ankle footwear).
5) Keep open mind and be receptive to coaching.
6) Keep head and eyes up.
7) Turn your head.
Have fun.

Here is a MSF list to check over your bike with, and yes, most places want to see ID, registration, and proof of insurance if street legal bikes are involved.

Take your time and don't ride above your comfort or skill level.  Let people pass if they need to.  They'll let you pass if you need to also (hopefully).  Enjoy yourself, don't stress out on it.  Ask questions (specific) regarding your performance or how to take a turn (prefered line) of the instructors and other riders, most are very willing to help if they the knowledge.

Its a good time and reason to go out and buy some good quality gear if you don't already have it (yes I know you said short on funds).

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCSInspectionChecklist.pdf

Take your time and don't ride above your comfort or skill level. 

+1

Let people pass if they need to.  They'll let you pass if you need to also (hopefully). 

IIRC, there is no passing in the ERC... unless someone stalls, falls over, or forgets where they are going.   

IIRC, there is no passing in the ERC... unless someone stalls, falls over, or forgets where they are going.   

That very well may be true.  Some classes on occasion let you pass in the straights if the course is big enough.  I'm sure they will tell you their course rules before you are allowed to ride.

I took MSF advanced for the &^%^ of it on a ZX14 and it was well worth it. 

These classes can be a LOT of fun. I took one last year and it rained all day, it was still fun.

I belive it is indeed the ERC conducted by Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Hometown neighbor. PM me, we'll go for a ride.
Gary

These classes can be a LOT of fun. I took one last year and it rained all day, it was still fun.

+1 Well worth the time and effort. I've taken the "ERC" twice, used to be run by the State of NJ at no cost. It rained all day on my last one. The rain changed direction for the fifty mile ride home; from vertical to horizontal.