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Good Reasons to Meet with Your Professors

Before you have a problem...

• It's the start of the semester and you want to stop in to introduce yourself and get to know the professor a little better.
  
• You're wondering how to study most effectively for the class.
  
• You're curious about the professor's area of research interests and what articles or projects she might be working on right now.
  
• You have a question about a course policy that you want to clarify early in the term.
  
• There's a quiz, exam, paper, research project, lab, or other assignment coming up and you'd like to get some good ideas about how to prepare or get started (or you'd like to see if you're "on the right track.") It is not a good idea, however, to call the professor at home at 10 PM the night before a paper is due for clarification of an assignment that was handed out two weeks before and discussed in class three times since.
  
• You want to let the professor know that you're enjoying the class, you want to convey a class film/lecture/reading was especially helpful, or you want to provide other feedback.
  

If you have a problem...

• You did poorly on a test or assignment and don't understand why you received the grade that you received. You would like her to explain the grade to you. (As a general rule, it's best to start conversations about grades with the person who assigned the grade, so if your TA graded the paper, you should start by asking him or her about the grade.)
  
• You notice a mathematical or other error in your grade.
  
• You were counted off for an answer, but you believe that answer is in the textbook or your class notes.
  
• You did poorly on a test or a paper and you would like to know how you could do better on the next such assignment. You might even ask if the professor could share an example of an "A" paper with you so that you can better understand the standards.
  
• You would like for a due date to be extended because you are ill, you have had a family emergency, or some other legitimate excuse.
  
• You need to miss a class or reschedule an exam or assignment and want to talk to the professor about getting notes, making up missed work, or rescheduling an assignment. (Note: This is much more effective if discussed early in the semester, rather than the day before a test or, worse, after the fact!)
  
• You want to know if the professor could recommend a successful student from a previous semester who might be willing to tutor you in the course or who might already be a mentor in the Student Engagement Center .
  

If you're interested in learning more...

• You were interested in a lecture topic or the ideas in one of the readings and would like to know if the professor could recommend other readings that might provide more information. You might also ask if there is anyone doing research in that area, or if there are courses offered that might delve more deeply into that topic.
  
• You have an interest in or a personal connection to a course topic that you would like to share with your professor. (Examples: You did summer research on a topic you're covering in chemistry and want to let your professor know about your experiments. You are discussing Vietnam in history class and the lecture reminded you of a story your uncle told you about his war experience, so you want to share that with your professor.)
  
• You're thinking about registering for more courses in the same department next year and would like some advice about interesting courses or professors who might share your interests.
  
• You're thinking about majoring in the course's department and would like more information.
  
• You're thinking about a career, graduate school, an internship, a summer job, or a research opportunity in the field and want to talk to someone about those possibilities.
  

If you know of something that might interest the professor...

• You found an article, magazine story, or newspaper clipping that connects to the class or the professor's research interests and you wanted to bring him a copy of it.
  
• You just saw a movie or television show, read a book, found a website, or heard a piece of music that connected to the course themes and you're wondering if your professor is familiar with it and, if so, what she thought of it.
  
• You want to invite your professor to attend an event you're involved with - a lecture series your campus group is sponsoring, a play in which you have a bit part, a faculty dinner at your fraternity, etc.

Professors are very valuable resources to you as a student. They will serve as mentors, influence your major or career aspirations, and will be your future references for employers or graduate school admissions. Professors should always be your first source for information or when you encounter difficulties with a course. Establishing a relationship with your professor will benefit you not only with the course they are teaching, but with your entire UAH career.

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The Learning Enrichment Services can assist with the achievement of your academic goals. Contact the Programs Coordinator at 824-6731.