W H AT T O E X P E C T YO U R F I R S T Y E A R
Interacting with Faculty in a Good Way
Approaching faculty in a professional manner.
• Use instructor’s titles when addressing them (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Professor). • Compose e-mails using correct grammar and complete sentences. Avoid text speak, slang terms, and all CAPS. • Speak respectfully and do not give orders to your professors. (Ex: Try using: “Can you please e-mail me X” instead of “Send me X”). • Come to class prepared and engaged in classroom discussion: make comments, ask, and answer questions. • Approach college and classes with a positive attitude. Know that college is challenging and that you are competent, capable, and each new day offers opportunities to learn and grow.
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What to avoid:
• Do not use smartphones, tablets, laptops, or earbuds during class. If you are expecting an important call during scheduled class time, notify your instructor beforehand and sit close to the door. Being on your phone during class is rude and distracting for yourself as a learner and those around you.
Tip from a Professor: If you are going to ask for help, you should know we will be less inclined to assist if they have been watching you surf the internet and checking your social media instead of paying attention to lectures.
Email communication tips: • Use multiple platforms to communicate with your instructor (e-mail, phone, blackboard, office hours).
• Allow at least a 24-hour response time, Monday through Friday. If you do not hear back within a reasonable timeframe, visit your instructor during listed office hours. • Send an e-mail from your school account so your message is less likely to get caught in the spam filter.
Why is it important to take advantage of instructor’s office hours? • Opportunity to ask questions about content that is confusing.
• If you are captivated by a specific class topic, you can ask for recommendations for additional resources to explore content further.
How to prepare for meeting with instructor during office hours
• Check your syllabus to find out your instructor’s office hours days/time/location/ contact information.
• Schedule an appointment. Arrive prepared and on time. • Bring syllabus, text, assignments, notepad, and a pen/pencil. • Write down questions you want to ask. • Be as specific as possible. Try to work out the problem before visiting office hours. Instructors want to see you put in effort before using their time.
Questions to ask faculty during office hours
• What is the most important piece of advice you give to students to help them be successful in class? • What additional resources do you recommend to learn more about this subject/ lesson/theory? • What are common careers for students with a degree in [state your major]? • I’m enjoying this class, are there other relevant courses in the department you recommend I take? • Are there any [state your major] related clubs or student organizations on campus that I can get involved with? • What was the college and career path that lead you to become a professor?
Thank your professor for their time and help.
• Ask for career advice. Your professor is an expert in the field. • Some professors offer extra credit for attending office hours. If you need to boost your grade, you can also ask for extra credit opportunities. • Your instructor will know who you are and be invested in your success.
N AT I V E PAT HWAY S
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