How To: Connect with professors outside of class
We know that many students are nervous or actually don’t know how to communicate with their faculty. Some might not even realize that talking to faculty outside of class is an option. Providing them with the resources below may help them know what to do when they need to have a conversation with their instructors.
For Students
Why you should connect with your professors outside of class
It can be nerve-wrecking but connecting with instructors outside of class is worth the effort. Faculty are invaluable resources, both while you’re a student and long after. You might initiate a conversation to:
- Get clarity and guidance that supports your learning. Ask questions or share what you’ve found confusing. Faculty might offer a reframe or recommendations that help you make sense of things.
- Explore topics of particular interest. Share when a reading, activity, or topic fascinates you. It’s helpful for faculty and they might even introduce you to related material you wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
- Connect with an interesting, knowledgeable person. On top of teaching, faculty do pretty intriguing work. Learning about their research or practice might inspire you and broaden how you envision your own trajectory.
- Instructors may share tips on navigating college and thinking about graduate programs and/or the professional world.
- Interesting people know interesting people. Developing real rapport with faculty now will come in handy if you ever want to be introduced to someone in their professional network.
- And, though it may feel inconceivable now, you may someday be that faculty member’s colleague or peer.
- Make sure they know who you are. One-on-one conversations allow for different kinds of exchanges than group settings.
- Some faculty hear about internships and other opportunities. When they really know who you are and what interests and skills you have, they’ll be more likely to share them with you.
- Faculty who know you and your work make for the strongest references and recommendation letter writers.
How to do it
- Identify what you’d like to discuss or ask. No need to overthink it.
- Communicate this to your instructor, by email or in person. You might write or say, “Professor Castillo, I’ve really enjoyed the Medieval works we’re learning about and hope to ask you some questions about my online exhibition. Also, I’m curious to hear about your work in painting conservation. Is there a time we could chat?”
- If in class, try to ask before the lesson begins, during break, or at another quiet time. Keep in mind that some faculty aren’t available to chat after class.
- If you send an email, give them time to respond. Don’t send multiple follow-ups in a day. It might take longer than you expect.
- Show respect and gratitude. Use ‘Professor’ or ‘Dr.’ unless they’ve asked you to do otherwise. Don’t assume it’s okay to use their first name unless invited to do so and avoid honorifics like “Mr., Ms., or Mrs.”
- Unsure? Ask, “How should we refer to you?”
- Be professional. Pay attention to your grammar, capitalization, and tone. For example, write, “Dear Professor,” instead of “hey.”
- Speak to them as you would a mentor, not a friend. You don’t want to be too informal or overstep boundaries.
- Be punctual and mindful of their time. They’ll appreciate it. Be sure to thank them.