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Communication with Professors

The following strategies have worked for successful PSU students when communicating with their colleagues and professors. 

What to Do 

You have to find a way to communicate with each of your professors in order to succeed at PSU. No two professors are the same, and each will have different expectations. You'll need to be able to clarify what your professors expect from you in order to get the education you're paying for. Asking a question before, during, or after class; attending office hours; or sending an e-mail are all ways to connect with your professors so you can better understand their expectations. Don't lie to yourself and decide that you don't have to be able to communicate with your professors. You do. So regardless of when or how you communicate with your professors, here are a few simple suggestions from more experienced students on how to increase your chances for success.

How to Do It 

• Ask questions. 
• Find the best time to talk. 
• Use office hours.
• Be prepared.
• Show respect.
• Deal with conflict appropriately.

When to Do It 

During class, before or after class, and during office hours are generally the best times for students to talk with professors. Find out where your professors' offices are located before classes begin.

Ask Questions

Professors can be quite good at anticipating students' concerns and questions, but they can't read minds and will never be able to anticipate every issue a student may be having. Therefore, you have to speak up when you need help, clarification, or additional support. Asking questions is one of the most important strategies that you can utilize during your academic career—it enables you to get individual attention specific to your needs and shows professors you are determined to comprehend the material.

Find the Best Time to Talk

As we suggested above, there are several different places and times to talk to a professor. However, it's important to be cognizant of the type of question you're asking and to ensure you're speaking up in the appropriate venue for the topic you need to discuss. For example, if you have a question that is directly related to the class discussion or a new or ongoing assignment, then asking for help during class time is completely appropriate. However, if the question does not directly relate to the current or previous lecture it may be more prudent to take that question to your professor during office hours or to wait until class is over. That said, professors may not have time to answer detailed questions directly before or after class. One strategy is to say something like, "Professor, I have a question about the midterm. I'd like to know how I can best prepare. Is this a good time to talk about this or should I meet you during office hours." This tactic allows them to address the question then and there if they feel that it's timely or that other students may also benefit from the response, but it also gives them the option of scheduling a time where they can more specifically address your needs. Such a tactic also demonstrates your respect for their time and their input. The take home message here is this: Asking questions is good, but be aware of the setting in which you are asking your questions. If your professor looks stressed or if the question is really more appropriate to talk about during a one-on-one session during office hours, then state your needs while setting up a time that works better for you both.

Use Office Hours 

Many students do not understand the purpose of office hours. A professors office hours are explicitly dedicated to working with students and answering their questions. You're not interrupting or inconveniencing them when you visit during office hours because that time has been set aside to aid you and your colleagues with your studies. While you can always just stop by during office hours to get help, making an appointment helps your professor prepare to assist you and often secures you a spot for a one-on-one discussion that can't always be guaranteed if you just drop in.
 

  A significant difference between high school and college is     that in high school it was often the kids who were in trouble or those who were “sucking up” that you'd typically find in the teacher’s office. In college, it's the successful students who use office hours. Successful students use office hours for a variety of reasons, some of which include, asking questions about class readings, finding out how to improve their writing skills in order to get a better grade on the next writing assignment, discussing the requirements of term papers, getting to know the professor, or seeking advice about professional or academic development. Think of your professors as resources. They can recommend other professors or courses you might enjoy; provide you with letters of reference for a scholarship, job. or graduate school; or simply help you glean more from the course. 
 

Many students have found that visiting each professor during office hours in the first two weeks of class helps to establish a working relationship and helps them to get more out of the class. It's important to make a good impression so come prepared with a question to ask.

Be Prepared

Whenever you talk with one of your professors, think about what you'll say before you speak. Be as clear as you can about what you need from your professor. If you're going to office hours, make some notes before you go so you have an idea about what you'll say. If you're asking a question in class, think of the question in your head before you speak. There's no such thing as a stupid question, but the clearer you are about what you really want to know, the more likely you are to get an answer that you can actually use. Understand that the professor is there to help, but you also have a responsibility to come prepared to have a focused and useful conversation.

Show Respect 

On the first day of class your professor will tell you how they prefer to be addressed. If this does not come up by the end of the first class, take a minute after class to ask the professor directly. A good piece of advice is to address every teacher, no matter how young they appear to you, as “Doctor” or “Professor.” Some professors may seem very young (maybe even younger than you!) and sometimes students get the wrong impression—they falsely believe that they can forgo addressing their professor respectfully because of the way they dress or because they have a casual demeanor in class. However, for all intents and purposes, you should treat your professors as you would a supervisor. Even though you're technically paying them through your tuition and student fees, you want to maintain a professional and friendly relationship throughout your career. When you talk with your professors avoid using "street" language and slang since this may be offensive or interpreted as extremely unprofessional. You may want to ask your professor for a letter of recommendation or to recommend you for an award or fellowship. In this regard, it's important to err on the side of caution and to use professional communication at all times regardless of how casual and friendly their approach to teaching may be.

Deal with Conflict Appropriately 

Not every classroom experience is going to leave you feeling excited and inspired. Although PSU would like to guarantee that you're going to enjoy working with each and every professor, the truth is that some professors are likely to rub you the wrong way. It may be that their communication style is gruff or dismissive or that they run their class in an way that you find intimidating. Professors may also act unprofessionally or disrespectfully. Regardless of the issue, it's important that you respond to conflict in a manner that demonstrates your professionalism while underscoring your right to understand the material, have a rewarding experience, and be treated with respect and dignity. If you're having trouble with a professor, begin by taking your concerns to them directly during their office hours. Perhaps they're completely unaware that they have said or acted in a way that was offensive to you. Most professors are able to hear constructive criticism and will respond by immediately changing their behavior. However, if a conflict with a professor is ongoing or you cannot resolve it on your own by discussing the issue professionally, then seek support from your academic advisor, the Associated Student Body, or the ombudsman's office. There are many resources and faculty available to help you resolve conflict.

 

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