Communication with professors is an important college skill. When I asked my current and former students for suggestions on topics to address from the professor’s perspective, it was a recurring theme. Several noted that they didn’t feel comfortable addressing questions with professors until later in their college career, once they got the hang of college life and figured out professors aren’t ogres (well, most of us aren’t anyway). In an effort to stave off nerves and general fears, here are my Top 5 suggestions for navigating communication with your professor.
Consider the context of your conversation.
Ambushing your professor after class to ask for an extension on your paper or to reschedule a test is not a good idea. First of all, it’s very unlikely you will get enough time to explain your situation during the passing period. Second, your professor will be very well-aware that others are paying close attention to their response to your request.
It’s certainly appropriate (and encouraged) to chat with professors after class to get clarification on lecture notes or expound on a topic of particular interest to you. Be mindful of the context of your conversation and decide the appropriate venue. Confidential conversations should take place in private. Sometimes it’s best to make an appointment with your professor to discuss sensitive issues like disability accommodations or assignment exceptions. Sometimes it’s best to stop by office hours, which brings me to my next point…
Use office hours.
I think I spend 80% of my office hours sitting alone in my office. No need for pity – I have plenty to do! The real pity is that students rarely use professors’ office hours until they are in peril, if at all. Here’s a newsflash: Professors NEVER mind you visiting office hours. You don’t need permission. It’s our job to hold office hours, and it’s your job to use them wisely.
I’ve said before it’s a good idea to pop by your professor’s office hours to introduce yourself. At the very least, use office hours to talk through points of confusion in course material or to engage in discussion about the stuff you find most compelling from assigned reading. Professors work pretty hard to develop courses, and we love talking to our students about what they’re learning!
Demonstrate proper respect.
The appropriate way to address your professor in person AND in writing is to call them “Professor So-and-So.” If you know your professor has a doctoral degree, it’s also fine to address them as “Doctor So-and-So.” You should NEVER call your professor by their first name unless given express permission to do so.
I work hard to be as approachable as I can for my students. But I can’t help but get a little offended when a student feels that they may address me by my first name, especially upon first meeting or when addressing an email. I realize there is healthy debate surrounding this issue, and many of my colleagues ask their students to address them by first name. My position is that first name should not be the default. Calling professors by their first name ipso facto diminishes their expertise and implies a more casual relationship.
Read more on this professorial identity crisis in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Be prepared.
Familiarize yourself with your professor’s policies on extensions and absences. Most importantly, you should be prepared to accept the penalty for any violation of their policy before you meet with your professor. Begging is never a good idea.
If you’re talking with your professor about course content or need help with a paper, it helps to bring class notes to your meeting or to understand the basic requirements of the assignment.
Please don’t misunderstand this one — it’s not always necessary to prepare for a conversation with your professor. Spontaneous and organic chats with students are always productive. Preparation is only necessary when you have an agenda and/or expectation of the conversation.
Plan ahead.
It is inevitable that someone will have some conflict with course schedules. Illnesses and deaths are certainly the exception to the planning piece. However, if you know in advance that you have to miss an important course component, e.g. exam, presentation, etc., address it with your professor as early as possible, preferably in their office. If you need guidance on a paper, go meet with your professor well in advance of due dates. Start reviewing for exams in time to allow for questions and clarification.
The bottom line…
Communicate with your professors! Introduce yourself, participate in class, and approach your courses conscientiously. You will find them receptive to your inquiries and interest in their course. So have a great semester!
Thoughts on communication tactics? Do you have more to tried and true tips to add? I’m happy to answer any questions you have so please comment and share!
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.
George Bernard Shaw