Imagine that you’ve got a question about a class you’re taking. You’ve decided that you should talk to your instructor to get some help. What should you do next?
- Approach your professor immediately after class
- Great idea! Talking to a professor immediately after class is a good idea for a quick question or clarification. Just remember that the professor may have another class to go to and may not be able to spend much time with you in this setting.Now imagine that you have a question that will take a little more time – say you’re struggling with a concept in class, or want to talk to your professor about the possibility of getting an extension on a due date. In this case, which probably requires a little more help, visiting during office hours or sending a meeting by email might be a better idea.
- Visit your professor during office hours
- A great idea! Professors have specifically scheduled this time to meet with their students and help them with anything they might be struggling with. Before you go to office hours, it’s important to be prepared. This is both out of respect for your professor’s time and so that you get the most help you can out of the time with your professor. Here are some tips for visiting your professor during office hours:
- Have your questions prepared. Know exactly what you want to ask and how you want to ask it. The more prepared you are, the more your professor will be able to help you.
- Make sure you arrive with enough time to discuss your questions. If their hours end at 2:00, don’t show up at 1:55.
- Be sure to introduce yourself. Especially near the beginning of the term, don’t assume that your instructor has learned everyone’s name yet, and don’t make him or her have to ask you.
- Be professional when talking to an instructor. You can be cordial and friendly, but it’s ideal to keep it professional and on an adult level.
Finally, remember that making excuses for not doing an assignment will rarely play in your favor (they’ve heard it all before!). To earn your instructor’s respect, come to class prepared, do the work, genuinely participate in class, and show respect—and the instructor will be happy to see you when you come to office hours or need some extra help.
- A great idea! Professors have specifically scheduled this time to meet with their students and help them with anything they might be struggling with. Before you go to office hours, it’s important to be prepared. This is both out of respect for your professor’s time and so that you get the most help you can out of the time with your professor. Here are some tips for visiting your professor during office hours:
- Send an email to your professor
- A great idea, especially if you can’t make it to your professor’s office hours. You should just make sure to check that your professor hasn’t said anything about alternative methods of communication. You can check your syllabus to see how the professor prefers to be contacted.Depending on your question, you can either email your professor to see about setting up a meeting, or just email your question directly to your professor. Which would you like to do?
Let’s say that you decided to send an email to set up an alternate time to meet. What do you think of the following emails? Which do you think is the best?
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Hey, I’m really struggling in class right now. I can’t make it to your office hours. Could we meet some other time? Kyle |
Dear Professor Carmichael, My name is Kyle Smith, and I’m in your intro to biology class. Your lecture on biological macromolecules didn’t make any sense. I work during your typical office hours. Could we organize an alternate time to meet? Thanks! Kyle Smith
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Dear Professor Carmichael, My name is Kyle Smith, and I’m in your intro to biology class. I’m struggling with the assignment for chapter 3 about biological macromolecules. I have another class during your office hours, so I was wondering if we could set up an alternate time to discuss the questions I have. Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons are typically good times for me. Thank you so much for your time! Kyle Smith |
- The first email is too short and doesn’t include enough details.
- The second email is better. Kyle introduces himself and states what class he’s in. However, it might not be a good idea to tell your professor that they don’t make any sense. Kyle also didn’t propose any times that might work for him to make an alternative meeting, which may leave his professor at loose ends.
- The third email is the best. Kyle also explains why he’s struggling—which isn’t always required, but may provide his professor with more insight into why Kyle is struggling.
Let’s say that you decided to send an email with your question. What do you think of the following emails? Which do you think is the best?
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Hey, I’m going to be out of town on Friday. My paper’s going to be a little late. Kyle [Sent on Thursday night] |
Dear Professor Carmichael, My name is Kyle Smith, and I’m in your intro to biology class. I have to miss class on Friday. Can I turn my paper in on Monday instead?Thanks! Kyle Smith [Sent on Wednesday night] |
Dear Professor Carmichael, My name is Kyle Smith, and I’m in your intro to biology class. I haven’t been feeling well for a few weeks now, and the only time I was able to schedule a doctor’s appointment was during class this upcoming Friday. Is there any chance I could turn my paper in on Monday instead? Thanks! Kyle Smith [Sent Tuesday morning] |
- The first email is too short and doesn’t include enough details. Kyle doesn’t ask if his paper can be turned in late—he simply expects that it will be accepted. He also doesn’t explain why he’s going to be out of town. If you have a true emergency (such as a medical problem or some type of loss), your professor is much more likely to be forgiving with due dates. This email was sent the night before the paper is due, which makes your professor less likely to agree, since it feels exceptionally last minute.
- The second email is better. Kyle introduces himself and states what class he’s in. He also asks a question, instead of simply expecting to turn in his assignment late. However, he doesn’t offer any explanations about why he’s missing class. Kyle may have enough time to finish his paper on time if his professor says he can’t turn it in late, but he’s starting to cut it a little close.
- The third email is the best. Here Kyle explains why he’s missing class. He also frames his request to turn in his assignment late a little differently than in the second email. He’s also sent his email with plenty of time to finish his assignment if his request to turn his paper in late is denied.
