Writing Emails to Professors One common question students often have is, is the proper way to write an email to a “What professor?” Within this question lies several sub-questions; for example, do I begin the “How email?”; can I communicate my message politely?”; is the proper way to ask for “How “What something?” With these issues in mind, this reading provides instructions and tips for communicating with your professors through email. 1. Subject line. Always make sure that you write a concise (short), descriptive subject when sending an email. This immediately tells the professor what the email is about. Examples: A. (submitting an assignment) Subject: Assignment 3 submission B. (requesting feedback for an assignment) Subject: Request for Assignment 3 feedback C. (explaining an absence from class) Subject: Regarding absence from tomorrow’s class 2. Salutation. Always open your emails with the polite salutation, Prof. <Surname>” “Dear Example: If your professor’s name is Alvin Williams, you would open the email with: Dear Prof. Williams, (Prof. is form for Professor). Addressing your professors simply by name is considered Avoid this. rude. Example: Dear Williams, (or Dear Alvin,) 3. The message: Get to the point
Writing Emails to Professors One common question students often have is, “What is the proper way to write an email to a professor?” Within this question lies several sub-questions; for example, “How do I begin the email?”; “How can I communicate my message politely?”; “What is the proper way to ask for something?” With these issues in mind, this reading provides instructions and tips for communicating with your professors through email. 1. Subject line. Always make sure that you write a concise (short), descriptive subject when sending an email. This immediately tells the professor what the email is about. Examples: A. (submitting an assignment) Subject: Assignment 3 submission B. (requesting feedback for an assignment) Subject: Request for Assignment 3 feedback C. (explaining an absence from class) Subject: Regarding absence from tomorrow’s class 2. Salutation. Always open your emails with the polite salutation, “Dear Prof. <Surname>” Example: If your professor’s name is Alvin Williams, you would open the email with: Dear Prof. Williams, (Prof. is form for Professor). Addressing your professors simply by name is considered rude. Avoid this. Example: Dear Williams, (or Dear Alvin,) 3. The message: Get to the point
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