Resources for AISES Members

College students can find support for building relationships with faculty members, and a whole lot more, through their College Chapter and the chapter’s faculty advisor.

Another great place to become more comfortable talking with faculty members and other professionals is the Leadership Summit.

Online Resources

• “U Can’t Talk to Ur Professor Like This” (The New York Times)
• “5 Questions That Will Take the Fear Out of Talking to Your Professor” (USA Today College)
• “How to Talk to Your Teacher” (Unigo)
• “How to Interact with College Professors” (HerCampus)
• “5 Guidelines for College Student-Professor Interactions” (U.S. News & World Report)
• “Advice for Students: How to Talk to Professors” (Lifehack)
• “How to Talk to a Professor — Explained by a Professor” (Noodle)

For many college students, professors seem formidable — beings to be avoided as much as possible. But those students are missing out. In fact, most professors went into teaching because they enjoy connecting with students and sharing their knowledge. Still scared? Don’t worry: there are plenty of things you can do to make it easier to approach your professor. Start early in the semester by introducing yourself after class. (Before class, your professor is thinking about the lecture and probably doesn’t have time to spare.) But don’t just say your name and walk away. Instead, ask a question or make a comment about the lecture you just heard to open the door for a conversation or discussion, which will make it easier for your professor to connect with you. The conversation does not have to be long, but when the professor next sees your name, you will be more memorable because there’s been a meaningful interaction.



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Do

• Unless they tell you otherwise, address your professors as “professor” followed by their last name
• Introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of the semester
• Attend office hours and ask specific questions
• Get involved with a lab or project your professor is leading
• Speak up: let your professor know when you are struggling and ask for help
• Proofread any communications to your professor before you send them
• Be respectful in all settings
• Be prepared to do the work