Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
| Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revision | ||
|
email_etiquette [2019/09/30 23:12] nathanairplane |
email_etiquette [2023/12/13 22:19] (current) ntnsndr |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| * **Do your homework**. Before asking a question about the assignments, expectations, or other class-related issues, be sure you have read the syllabus and any related correspondence from the professor. Better yet, reference those materials when you ask your question, explaining what about them isn't clear. This demonstrates that you are serious about taking responsibility for your work and that your question is in good faith. | * **Do your homework**. Before asking a question about the assignments, expectations, or other class-related issues, be sure you have read the syllabus and any related correspondence from the professor. Better yet, reference those materials when you ask your question, explaining what about them isn't clear. This demonstrates that you are serious about taking responsibility for your work and that your question is in good faith. | ||
| * **Be precise**. Describe with as much directness and precision as you can what you're having trouble with. Don't ask for general, broad information about the course or assignments—save that for an in-person discussion. Email is great for quick questions with quick answers. | * **Be precise**. Describe with as much directness and precision as you can what you're having trouble with. Don't ask for general, broad information about the course or assignments—save that for an in-person discussion. Email is great for quick questions with quick answers. | ||
| + | * **Respect the recipient's time**. We all have different kinds of demands on our time, and try to respect that. Avoid statements like "respond as soon as you see this" and "URGENT!" If you write outside normal working hours, in particular, do not expect an immediate response. In general, assume that any email may not get a response for a few business days. | ||
| * **Share your passion**. Professors are professors because they're passionate about what they do. We're much more likely to want to help you if we notice that you're passionate too. If appropriate, mention something about the course or your question that is exciting your enthusiasm. | * **Share your passion**. Professors are professors because they're passionate about what they do. We're much more likely to want to help you if we notice that you're passionate too. If appropriate, mention something about the course or your question that is exciting your enthusiasm. | ||
| + | |||
| + | More where that came from: | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Laura Portwood-Stacer, "[How to Email Your Professor (without being annoying AF)](https://medium.com/@lportwoodstacer/how-to-email-your-professor-without-being-annoying-af-cf64ae0e4087)" (Apr 26, 2016) | ||