Three Tips When Meeting with Your College Professor
Consider these three tips when meeting with your college professor. Without a doubt, there is some preliminary work to prepare for such a meeting. In doing so, look over your course syllabus for your professor’s email and office hours. In addition, focus on “why” you are wanting to meet with them. For the most part, college professors are genuinely interested in helping students. Use this to your advantage and relax to overcome any fear of reaching out to your professor for help.
BE CLEAR AND CONCISE
Although you may be nervous, you can calm yourself by being clear and concise about why you want to meet. Don’t beat around the bush as your professors are busy individuals too. Make things simple and easy to understand for the professor. For example, bring your textbook and outline the exact issue you are facing. Likewise, if there was an error or other issue in class, then bring that documentation too.
BE TIMELY
First, checking in with your professor regularly throughout the semester is key. During the first ten weeks, try to attend office hours at least twice to ask short specific questions. By doing this, it will give you familiarity with the professor and them with you. Should the need for an expanded meeting arise, it is highly recommended to address the issue as soon as it arises. In your mind, plan to have the meeting “in person.” Rarely is it effective to resolve issues over phone, via text, or by email. Likely, requesting to have a face-to-face meeting will be seen as positive and an unspoken sign of respect. Likewise, if there was an error or other issue in class, then bring that documentation too.
BE APPRECIATIVE AND RESPECTFUL
Nothing shows respect better than telling the truth. For this reason, get all your facts together. Prior to the meeting, send a warm reminder email with the facts and your purpose for the meeting. Considering the sending any relevant facts, your professor may recognize the issue and resolve it without having to meet at all. At the same time, you should also consider alterative outcomes if the professor doesn’t agree with you. By doing so, it may help you stay open, appreciative, and respectful during the meeting.
