Overview
This lecture covers the essential social and professional conventions for interacting with college professors, focusing on email etiquette, the use of office hours, requesting letters of recommendation, handling absences, and appropriate attire.
Email Etiquette with Professors
- Always begin emails with a formal greeting like "Professor [Last Name]" or "Dr. [Last Name]" if they have a doctorate.
- Avoid informal greetings like "Hey" and do not use their first names or initials unless invited.
- Clearly state your full name and the course (including section or time) you are in.
- Use standard closing phrases like "Sincerely" or "Best," followed by your name.
- Match the professor's formality level as the email exchange continues, but never default to informality.
- Professors signing emails with initials do not want to be addressed by their initials.
- Attach papers as PDF or Word documents; do not send links to cloud-based documents unless instructed.
- Only use email or official course messaging systems to contact professors—not text, social media, or apps like TikTok.
- Use the default email font (sans-serif, like Arial); do not use colorful or unusual fonts.
Using Office Hours
- Office hours are scheduled periods when professors are available for student questions—take advantage of this resource.
- Prepare specific questions in advance by completing readings and assignments early.
- List professor office hours on your calendar to remind yourself of their availability.
- Attending office hours helps professors get to know you, which benefits future requests like recommendations.
Asking the Right Questions
- Check the syllabus for administrative questions before contacting professors (e.g., exam dates or reading assignments).
- Professors prefer questions about course material over administrative queries.
Letters of Recommendation
- Tenure-track and higher-rank faculty (assistant, associate, full professors) offer more prestige in recommendations than lecturers or adjuncts.
- Substance and familiarity with the professor are crucial—choose someone who knows you and your work.
- When requesting a letter, provide details about what it's for, which courses you took, and copies of your work and their feedback.
Professional Requests and Absence Notifications
- Professors generally do not accommodate meetings in the evenings or on weekends.
- Notify professors in advance if you will miss class and specify details; avoid asking "Did I miss anything?" as it devalues class content.
Classroom Attire
- Dress in line with typical student attire—casual but appropriate; avoid overly revealing clothing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tenure-track faculty — Professors on a path to permanent employment, starting as assistant professors, moving to associate, then full professor.
- Office hours — Scheduled times when professors are available to meet with students for questions or help.
- Syllabus — A document outlining course policies, schedule, assignments, and important dates.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Update your calendar with all professors’ office hours.
- Review your course syllabi before emailing professors with questions.
- Practice writing a formal email to a professor using these guidelines.