Mastering Academic Etiquette

Whether you are starting out or continuing on with your academic studies at higher level education, you probably have learned, and quite quickly so, of the importance of communication not just with your classmates but also with your professors. You have most likely become aware of the often strict, underlying set of rules and etiquette expected when communicating with your professors. This aspect of college life is seldom talked about and I cannot wrap my head around the reasons why. As students, we must not only search to practice and perfect the technical skills that our society ever demands but we must also strive to mend and work on the skills that will get us through the day effectively with other fellow human beings. Soft skills are perfected through etiquette.

1. Not in Kansas anymore

As we begin our university life, we must, for the sake of our growth and to the temporary detriment of our ego, come in with sponge like minds and attitudes, and accept that we know nothing at all, in a relative sense. This is not high school and we are not in Kansas anymore. We must accept that throughout this new journey, we will be among the least educated groups (that is every undergraduate student around) and we must understand the value and honor that it is to have the privilege of attending a lecture by none other than people who have given their entire lives for the cause of the subject matter being taught. I still encourage everyone to always go to ratemyprofessors.com, because, I also accept that we are not all born with the superpower that is being a teacher.

2. Office hours

When meeting with professors, remember that you want to see them; they don't necessarily want to see you. Your class syllabus should clearly state the office hours the professor has available for you to reach out to them. If your class is a basic requirement of your curriculum, it is probably going to be packed. In these cases, a meeting with a professor is almost unnecessary as there may be other resources, the class may be led partially by seasoned TA's. In such cases, bear in mind that your TA's are to be respected as professors. This is not to say that a meeting with a professor is off limits, it is arguable though when you have a TA. However, if you would like to talk about personal/sensitive matters regarding health or extenuating circumstances, always resort to your professor.

Come prepared to your scheduled meeting, or your office hour pass by. Going to office hours empty handed is going to waste everyone's time, bring questions. Make sure that the questions you are asking are not the type of questions that can be easily answered during a class session or even a tutoring session. When you are meeting with professors and even with TA's, time is of the essence; you have limited access to academic prime real estate, use this time wisely. The questions you have are a direct representation of your work. By saying this, I don't mean that you can't bring a list of easy questions but I suggest that you think strategically- think of the professional relationships you want to build with your professors. The questions brought up in an office hour meeting should be questions that you have worked on, questions for which you have done at least the minimum research for, questions that have at least a page worth's of work. Showing effort is admirable and talks about the integrity of your work.

Punctuality, is an unspoken rule when it comes to these sort of meetings with PhD holders, or PhD fellows, or tenured PhD professors. Honor the time that these individuals are giving. I reiterate the importance of the notion that as students we must always remember to think about the type of professional relationships we want to build with our teachers and mentors. Years from now, the teachers you are assisting today, may become your thesis advisers during your senior year.

3. Email etiquette

Email etiquette is a world of its own.

If clarity is often encouraged during meetings, it is moreover required when writing an email to a professor. Learning to write professional emails is something that takes extensive practice, this practice can be perfected by writing and re-writing, and then re-writing your emails before sending them. Below are key factors you must keep in mind when writing your emails.

• Stick to the point. Avoid sharing opinions or stories and stick to hard facts, potential future efforts and substantial or real information. Remember this is a professional exchange of information.

• Address formally. Sending an email to your professor is not to be done casually. When starting your email, address as Dr, or Professor. As you end the email, include your full name, course number and name. Send your email from the university's portal, do not use personal emails.

• Spelling and grammar are a significant indicator of your respect level, not only for the professor but also for yourself. Download chrome applications like "Grammarly" if necessary.

• Do not make any requests, do not create sob parties, or ask for extra credit during an email transaction. These matters, if serious and substantiated, should be addressed personally.

Mastering the academic etiquette is a journey of experiences, it is crucial that as students we become comfortable with the idea of academic etiquette, which is basically, showing utmost respect to the individuals who are appointed to guide us throughout our journey. We are not in Kansas anymore, we are among individuals that as I have mentioned, have given their entire lives for the sake of research, for the sake of the future generations and for the sake of the development of education. These individuals are deserving of respect and the institutions that are preparing us to face the challenges of this world should be honored. Academic etiquette is based on this sole notion.

Hefzi Molina