Communication with Instructors and Advisors – Student Success @ Illinois

Tips for successful communication with instructors

Start the class off right by making a point to talk to your instructor *before* you have a question or concern! This can be as simple as coming to class a few minutes early or staying after to introduce yourself, perhaps saying something about why you’re taking the class, or something else about yourself. This helps establish a connection with the instructor and will make it less overwhelming to go to them when you do have questions or concerns.
Check the syllabus to see if they list a preferred method of communication. Some instructors prefer email so they have a written record, others might want you to schedule time to meet with them in person.
Engage with your professors and TAs in a professional manner. If you’re writing them an email, make sure to follow the greeting, introduction, body, and conclusion format. If you’re talking with them in person, make sure to introduce yourself politely, ask your question(s), and thank them for assisting you. They will remember your professionalism and be more than happy to help you again in the future if you have any more questions or concerns.

Come prepared! Make sure to look over the material, prepare questions, bring your textbook and computer, and have a clear goal coming out of the office hours. The more you prepare, the more you will get out of it.
Take detailed notes during office hours so you remember what the professor told you. The information won’t be helpful to you if you forget it a few hours after you talked to your professor.
Be truthful with your professor if you still don’t understand the information. Even if they have to explain the concept 5 times, it’s important that you understand the material.
After office hours, practice what you learned so that you remember it more easily. Practice makes perfect!

Academic Advising is a complex structure at Illinois. Some students may have multiple advisors while others may have one specific point person.
Visiting your college’s website is a great first start. There is likely an Advising or Contact Us tab where they list Academic Advisors.
There are Student Success Advisors at the Jeffries Center who can also assist with connecting you with your academic advisor.

Make sure you’ve given them enough time to respond; typically, 48 hours is an acceptable window, but sometimes it may take longer.
Make sure you’re contacting them using their preferred method of communication. Professors usually include this method in their syllabus and how long it usually takes them to respond.
Contact the TA for the class, if there is one, and ask them how you can get ahold of the professor.
Consider attendee open office hours (be sure to check the syllabus for times to do so)
What if my professor says to not contact them?
- Check to see if the syllabus identifies an alternative contact person such as a TA or course coordinator.
- Find a study buddy or classmate you can ask questions
- Check to see if there are tutoring or group study options available for your course
- Check thread/forum to post questions instead of a direct email
- Check the course page in canvas/moodle to identify other ways to connect with instructors or students
Check out this resource from the Dept. Of Economics: How to Talk to your Professor