Communication
This type of email account should you always use when emailing your professor.
What is your academic (.edu) email address?
This document is often referred to as a "legal" version of this between a student and a professor.
What is a contract?
Professors expect you to do more than just listen; they expect this, which involves asking questions and contributing to discussions.
What is active engagement?
Unlike high school, college professors expect you to manage this resource without reminders.
What is your time?
These are the specific times a professor sets aside each week to meet with students.
What are office hours?
You should make this part of your email clear so the professor knows what you need quickly.
What is the subject line?
This section of the syllabus explains what you will actually know or be able to do by the end of the term.
What are Learning Objectives?
To show respect and maximize learning, professors expect these devices to be put away unless explicitly required.
What are cell phones or laptops (distractions)?
This term describes the student's duty to complete all readings and prep work before the class starts.
What is being prepared?
You should go to office hours not just when you're failing, but also to do this regarding a complex topic.
What is seeking clarification or deeper understanding?
Instead of “Hey” or a nickname, this is how you should address your professor at the start of an email.
What is a formal salutation using the professor’s title (Dr. or Professor)?
If you miss a deadline, the syllabus will usually detail these specific consequences.
What are late penalties?
In college, this is considered your "job," and professors expect you to arrive on time and stay for the duration.
What is attendance?
If you are struggling with a concept, professors expect you to take this step rather than waiting for them to notice.
What is seeking help or taking initiative?
Professors appreciate it when you come to office hours with these already prepared.
What are specific questions?
Even if your professor knows you, this info should be included in your email so they remember exactly who you are.
What is your name, class title, and section number?
Professors expect you to check the syllabus for this list, which outlines what you should read before each lecture.
What is the course schedule or reading list?
Doing this during a lecture helps you retain information that might not be on the presentation slides.
What is taking notes?
Professors value this over "the right answer," especially when a student shows growth throughout the semester.
What is effort?
Office hours are a great place to ask for these, which can help you explore a subject beyond the textbook.
What are additional resources or research opportunities?
In professor emails, you should avoid emojis, profanity, slang, and this text message-like habit.
What is using abbreviations or informal language?
This policy explains the rules regarding using AI or collaborating with peers on individual assignments.
What is the Academic Integrity policy?
This "C" word describes the type of thinking professors want to see when you analyze a topic.
What is critical thinking?
This mindset involves viewing your education as something you are doing, not something that is happening to you.
What is ownership of learning?
Building a relationship during office hours is often how students secure these for future jobs or grad school.
What are letters of recommendation?