College Prep--Part II

As I said in my last story, you’re in college now, and the rules are different. This includes the ways in which you communicate with your instructors. One of my pet peeves is when a student emails me and does not include identifying information in the email. This is important to include, as many instructors teach five to six classes and may not know what student is in what class. So, here I will give you some tips on how to best communicate with your instructor via email or Conversations (if you are sending a message through Canvas).

1. Put your name and class in the subject line of your email.

This is something that really bugs a teacher, when a student leaves out this information. We get emails with subject lines that read: “Class” or “Tonight’s Assignment.” That gives us no information whatsoever and is quite frustrating. So, you need to include specific information: “Ben Gardener, ENGL 111 21 C.” This at least identifies you as a student in your instructor’s class.

2. Address your instructor professionally

There is nothing worse than getting that email that begins with, “Hey, Prof” or no greeting at all. Your instructors want to know that they are respected just as they respect you, so you want to begin your email more formally: “Dear Professor Johnson” or “Mr. Johnson.” This shows that you respect your instructor and he or she will respect your formality and take you more seriously.

3. Use formal language in the body of your email

This is the really important part! You want to be clear and concise when asking questions and stating concerns to your instructor. Here is an example of a bad email to your instructor:

I got questions for u about my grade and want to meet with u during your office. Its just not fair and I want to know what Im doing wrong. I think u don’t like me, so your giving me bad grades.

With spelling errors and informal language, you will not be taken seriously by your instructor. You’re also accusing the instructor of discriminating against you, which does not help your case at all. You want to present yourself as professional and be more formal and less accusatory. Also, if you do have questions, don’t just say you have questions. Be specific about what your questions are regarding. If you have a question about your grade, specify which assignment you flubbed and ask about that. Here is a revision:

On Project One, I earned a C. This is disappointing to me, as I worked extremely hard on that assignment. This is my first semester in college, and I want to do my best to get good grades. Could we meet Thursday at 1 during your office hours this week to go over the project with me and let me know what I need to do to improve?

This email is much more formal and specific. It also acknowledges that the grade you got on your project was earned, not given. I always tell my students that I don’t give grades; they earn them. This email also asks for a specific time to meet with the instructor during his or her office hours. This saves a couple of back and forth emails to establish a time and day.

4. Putting it all together

So, here is the email you should send to your instructor if you want to be taken seriously as a student and be seen as professional in your communication:

Subject: Ben Gardener, ENGL 111 21C

Dear Professor Johnson,

On Project One, I earned a C. This is disappointing to me, as I worked extremely hard on that assignment. This is my first semester in college, and I want to do my best to get good grades. Could we meet Thursday at 1 during your office hours this week to go over the project with me and let me know what I need to do to improve?

I look forward to our meeting.

Sincerely,

Ben Gardener

Your communication style is important if you want to succeed in college and beyond. Starting with these tips can help you in that regard and ensure that you get all of your questions and concerns answered. Enjoy and Good Luck!!