Meeting With Your Instructors
University Advising Center
Wayne State University
http://advising.wayne.edu
Why Meet With Your Instructor?
Falling behind in class
Failed test or assignment
Questions about expectations
Clarification of assignments
Feeling uncomfortable in class
DESIRE TO SUCCEED!
Reasons Students Avoid
Professors
 Feel “out of the loop” from missing class
 Fear of asking “dumb” question
 Fear of confrontation
 Shyness
 High School (nurturing) vs. College
(intimidating)
 Discomfort over approaching a professor of a
different age, gender, race, or culture
Benefits For You
 Personalize your learning experience
 Reduce stress levels
 Save study time
 Gain insight regarding curriculum, careers,
graduate studies, etc.
 Make a connection with someone in your field
 Obtain letters of recommendation
Benefits For Your Professor
 Gain insight on how the class is going
 Get an idea of questions other students may
have
 Discover ways to improve students learning
experience
 Professors EXPECT to work one on one with
students - TAKE ADVANTAGE!
Approaching Your Professor
 Contact
 Contact professor immediately after you get a bad grade,
don’t understand the material or are unsure of what the
professor expects…DON’T WAIT!
 Check syllabus for preferred mode of contact (office
hours, phone number, e-mail)
 If their office hours don’t work for you or you think you
will need more time, make an appointment with the
professor
 Plan
 Have an agenda for the meeting
 Write questions out to ensure you don’t forget anything
Do’s and Don’ts
 DO:
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Research
Be punctual
Make a good first impression
Address professor properly
Plan ahead
Pay attention
Thank professor for their time
Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T:
 Wait until the end of the semester
 Expect professor to CHANGE your grade
 YOUR academic performance is YOUR
responsibility
 Be rude or impolite
 Be afraid!
Planning Grid
Course
Professor, Contact
Info. & Office
Hours
Potential
Meeting Date
Topics to
Discuss
QUESTIONS?
Resources
 University Advising Center
Tips for Meeting with Your Professor
http://advising.wayne.edu/tipsp.php
 My College Success Story
Meeting with Your Professors
By: Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
http://www.mycollegesuccessstory.com/academicsuccess-tools/meeting-with-professor.html