2.17.2: Emailing Your Professor - Ten Tips
- Page ID
- 14701
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
- Put your class/section in the subject line, followed by the nature of the communication. (ENGL 151:04 Illness)
- Use an appropriate standard greeting, such as “Dear Professor Shaw” or “Good Morning.” Never “Hey.”
- Keep the message on point. “My question about today’s assignment is this:”
- Write in standard English—no “textspeak” or slang.
- Always sign your name at the end (full name if you are unknown to the recipient or first name if you are known).
- Never ask your professor if you missed anything important; of course you have.
- Don’t share too much personal detail if you miss class. An absence is an absence.
- If you will be missing class, always ask what you need to do to keep current.
- Never forward jokes, memes, or chain letters to your professor.
- Make readers want to respond. Your email is a reflection of you, your work habits, and your professionalism.