BUILDING A STRONG CONNECTION WITH YOUR PROFESSOR/INSTRUCTOR Presented by SSHA Peer Mentors

PURPOSE OF THIS WORKSHOP Most students do not visit their professors in office hours because:  Students fear authority  Students are intimidated to ask questions (embarrassed)  Students don’t know the protocol to contact their professor  Students are afraid they won’t know how to converse with their professor The purpose of this workshop is to inform students of the benefits of student-professor relationships. Visiting with your professor is important because you are likely to better understand their course material and may be offered career opportunities (research, internships, attending conferences etc. )

OBJECTIVES Provide tools to better prepare students to interact with Faculty Learn professional ways to approach professors Learn the benefits of attending Office Hours Learn professional protocols when contacting faculty/staff Planning for the future: grad school, research opportunities, internships, work experience

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PROFESSOR: INTRODUCE YOURSELF Let the professor know your interests and why you chose to take their course.  Introducing yourself will let them know that you are interested in the class and it shows initiative!  Don’t be intimidated! They are people, just like you and me!  *Building that Student-Professor relationship may help you when you need a letter of recommendation for Grad School or a Scholarship application!

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR PROFESSOR Introduce yourself during the1 st /2 nd week of school Option 1:  Go to class early and introduce yourself to your professor before class starts  State your name, year, and major Option 2:  Introduce yourself to your professor after class ends  State your name, year, and major Option 3:  Go to the Professor’s first available office hours and introduce yourself  State your name, year, and major  *Office Hours are a great opportunity to have a longer conversation with your professor about goals and future career plans

USE THEIR OFFICE HOURS Even if you don’t have any questions, visit their office hours! There are many different ways to approach your professor  Ask about course content  Additional help  How you can improve your grade  How to study for an upcoming midterm  Ask about their field of expertise! (Research) *Students who use office hours usually have better grades in the class!

WHAT IF I CANNOT ATTEND MY PROFESSOR’S OFFICE HOURS? Make an appointment  Talk to your professor before or after class  the professor Attend Teacher/Research Assistants office hours  Go to their office hours  your TA

HOW TO WRITE AN TO YOUR PROFESSOR Include Full Name and Student ID your professor from your ucmerced.edu account Include a detailed message. If inquiring about a specific course, include the course name and number Include a Subject

PARTICIPATE Make sure you participate in class! If you participate, the professor will see your interest in the class and will likely remember you. Participation will be highly appreciated by the professor, but it will also help you become more engaged in the class. Paying attention = Better grade in the class.  Make sure you participate at least once or twice a week! Make it a priority!

STAND OUT FROM YOUR PEERS Building a student-professor relationship and staying in contact can get you:  A letter of recommendation  Research opportunities in their laboratory  A Referral to their Colleagues  A Referral to career and academic options