Engaging and Communicating with Professors

College is much more than simply attending classes and earning grades. Now, don’t get me wrong, this is a standard and still important measurement of success in education, but certainly not the only one. The ideal college experience encompasses a certain level of engagement on the student’s end that goes beyond the set curriculum for their major. Whether your student is first-generation or a born-in wildcat, you can help emphasize how important it will be to seek and explore every opportunity possible during their undergraduate careers!

Every professor/instructor holds “office hours”, a time (or times) during the week where students can drop-by and ask questions, get assistance, and learn more about the topics covered in class. This can seem intimidating to any student to approach an expert in their field of interest and show vulnerability by asking for help. In fact, this is an extremely common reaction to the thought. But every instructor I, as an advisor and double alum of the university, have ever worked with wishes that students would utilize office hours more. They want students to come in, ask questions, and get to know them. So, remind your students that they are here to help, here to teach and don’t expect students to already have all the answers!

Contrary to what your student may believe, when they go to ask for help, it shows effort and allows them to engage in the learning process, find gaps in their knowledge, and do the work necessary to gain expertise. There is a great level of respect and benefit that comes from facilitating these relationships. We, often, encourage students to go to office hours before they start struggling. Office Hours are not just meant for reviewing what you’ve missed, but making sure you are staying on track and ahead of any challenges. Students can go to their instructors to review content, get help with a homework problem, ask a question about career exploration, or simply just introduce themselves! If they are really struggling with initiating that first contact, here are some recommendations to work up to it:

• Simply locate the instructor’s office – go into the building, identify which office is theirs, and just pass by if you need to. Next time you can knock on the door and say hi! (Small steps = progress)
• Find a classmate who will go with you for the first time to help “break the ice”
• Meet with your advisor to draft up some questions you can go prepared with in case you get nervous
• Remember they want to help! In most cases, the instructor will guide most of the conversation.

Help your student consider this, even if it seems uncomfortable at first. Aside from the class, instructors are often doing research or have had a career in the industry your student wants to go into. This is the perfect opportunity for your student to gain insight into that field and network with someone who could be a strong reference later on and let’s face it – who doesn’t love discussing a topic they are passionate about? Most importantly, when an internship comes knocking, this faculty member may just recommend your student for the position!