Before hastily sending your professor an email about the results of a recent exam
or paper, spend some time reflecting on your performance. Did you put your best effort
into the project? Did you miss anything in the instructions? Carefully review your
professor's feedback. If there is a lack of commentary, this would be a great opportunity
to schedule an appointment to get clarification.
Know When to Schedule an Appointment
If you are planning to discuss grades, opt for an in-person meeting. E-mail makes
it difficult for professors to explain the difficult concepts missed in a recent assignment.
An in-person meeting, on the other hand, allows the professor to cover difficult informational
and suggest ways to boost your overall grade.
Ask Relevant Questions
If you are stopping by your professor's office or sending an e-mail, be sure to ask
thoughtful questions. These questions should not be broad or generic such as, "I'm
not sure if my paper is right, can you check it?". Students should identify specific
sentences, paragraphs, or concepts that need attention. Your questions are very important
because they will guide the conversation.
Treat Your Professor Like a Person, Not a Machine
Sometimes professors make mistakes (wow, right?). If you believe something was incorrectly
marked on an exam or paper, respectfully let them know. If they haven't responded
to your email, send a gentle follow-up.
Avoid Aggressive Language
When communicating with professors, be careful not to employ aggressive or accusatory
language. Using "You said", for example, is an intense statement. Instead refer to
concrete documents that help explain your confusion - "The syllabus notes..."
Extenuating Circumstances
If you are experiencing extenuating circumstances that may exceed the policies on
the syllabus, talk to your professor. If they know what you are dealing with, they
can try to accommodate or offer resources to help you succeed.