Communicating with Professors

College students talking to a professor

Students at Utah State University have a variety of services available to help them succeed in college. Essential support for your academic work starts with your professors and instructors. Strong teacher-student relationships are associated in…higher student academic engagement, attendance, and grades (Sparks, 2019) The following information is meant to help you work with your professors and instructors to support your success.

Identify your purpose – why do you need to connect with your professor?

  1. Questions about course content. Be specific when you meet with your instructor. They need context to understand where you are at.  Examples of appropriate questions are: 
    • "I read chapter 3 and reviewed my notes on the inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded. But I need some more help finding practical examples of how this fits into a market pricing strategy." 
    • "I really want to learn how to use this concept mapping technique for my persuasive writing assignment. I used it to outline my ideas, but they still seem disorganized and unclear. What suggestions do you have that can help me use this technique better?" (Show instructor your notes.)
  2. Needing additional help. Professors are the best source of advice on how to succeed in their classes. If you are investing sufficient study time and still not doing well, schedule an office appointment. Let your professor know what you are already doing (how many hours you spend reading, reviewing notes, studying with other students, etc.). Discuss your specific concerns: 
    • "I can get the right answer but not when I use the method shown in class"
    • "I do okay on the quizzes but seem to blank on the tests"
    • "I do the reading before each class but I’m having difficulty connecting it with the information in the lecture"
    • "Is there anything else I can do to succeed in this class?"
  3. Discussing deadlines. Explain why you need this consideration. Prepare an alternate deadline. 
    • "I am getting married this semester and will be on a cruise ship for our honeymoon.  Can I submit the work for that week earlier?"
    • "I unfortunately had a health crisis which is why I was unable to communicate with you.  I am able to submit my work now, and wondered if I can possibly have some extended deadlines for the assignments due this past week? My doctor’s note is attached."
    • "My computer decided to reboot right when I was going to turn in my assignment.  I am so sorry it is late.  Is there anything I can do to resubmit this?"
  4. Discussing grades. If you are not sure why you have a grade, or are unhappy with the grade you have, come prepared with ideas to solve this issue. 
    • "I have learned so much about my paper topic from the research I did with the librarian you introduced us to in this class. I didn’t realize that there was a formatting requirement in the rubric.  Could I resubmit this with the feedback and updated format you provided?"
    • "I am really concerned about my grade in this course. I know I have missed a few days of class.  I would really like another opportunity to improve my grade in this class. Would you be willing to give me another attempt at the quiz?"  
    • "Would you consider extra credit if I did an interview with a professional on the topic we discussed in the class I missed?"
  5. Concerns about tests. Ask for advice on how to improve. 
    • "I am really confused about my performance on the last test. I studied two hours a night for a week before the test and reviewed all the readings and notes with a study partner. But, when it came time to take the test, none of the questions seemed to be related to the material I studied. What can I do to identify the material to study for your next tests?  Do you have any other suggestions for me?"

What Do My Professors Expect from Me? 

Be prepared for the meeting. Write out what your problem is and what you want from your professor. Come up with options before you meet with your professor. Then they can help you decide if those options are possible.

Be on time for office appointments. If you show up on time and your professor isn’t there, wait five or ten minutes, then leave a note. If you miss an appointment, apologize in person and reschedule.

What can I expect from them?

Your professor wants to help you. Most professors look forward to meeting with students.  The insight they gain, and the relationships formed provide great value and meaning to their work. (Reynolds, 2023)

Every professor is different. There are different titles for different types of professors.  Normally they begin their career as an assistant professor, they can be promoted to an associate professor and reach a full professor status with a lot of time teaching and researching.  They have many expectations and responsibilities outside of the classroom. They may be busy and could need a gentle nudge if you don’t hear back from them within the week.  (Holschuh, 2011) 

How Do I Communicate with My Professor?

  1. Schedule an appointment to see your instructor during their office hours. Your instructor uses their office time to grade papers, prepare classes, conduct research, and meet with fellow students therefore be sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time to make sure they are available.
  2. Ask your professor how they prefer to be addressed. Not all instructors are Ph.D.’s (i.e., "Dr.") and thus may want to be addressed by their first names. Asking them helps you navigate their preferences and indicates your respect for them. If they sign their email, that’s a good indicator of their preference.
  3. Check how they want to be communicated with. In the syllabus, your professor will indicate if they prefer to be messaged via canvas or their work email. Be sure to send it to the right place so that you receive a prompt response.  
  4. Ask an Academic Success Coach. If you are unsure about how to communicate in your specific situation, schedule an appointment with a Success Coach.  They can help you draft an email, plan out questions, and prepare for office hours.  The communication specialist is Melanie Chambers.  You can set up an appointment with Melanie

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