The University of Ottawa’s Guide to …Building Relationships with Profs
Building relationships with your professors is one of the best ways to enrich your academic experience. They can help you complete your undergrad and are a gateway to other opportunities such as internships, conferences and grad school. Chances are if you are thinking about grad school, you are going to need a reference from a professor or maybe even two. Asking a prof for a reference letter can be scary, but in most cases provided you have demonstrated interest in their classes, they will be willing to write one. In saying this, here are a few tips to building a solid academic relationship with your profs.
1. Go to Class
Believe it or not professors notice if you are rarely in class! Even in large classes students tend to sit in the same spots every class leading professors to start to recognize students based on their patterns. In smaller classes, many professors take attendance and will try to learn all the students’ names. Professors do not take students who miss a lot of class seriously and view them as highly disrespectful.
2. Actively Participate in Class
Showing up to class is not merely enough to truly build a relationship with a prof. To stand out, ask questions and answer questions posed by the prof and other students. Stay off of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc. and show some interest in the lecture, even if it is horribly boring. Leaving your computer at home and using a notebook works wonders for trying to pay attention. If the prof posts slides online before class, print them off to add to your own notes.
3. Go to Your Prof’s Office Hours
The best way to get a good grade in a class as well as to build a relationship with your prof is by making the effort to see them outside of normal class hours. This shows that you value your education and are interested in the work your prof has dedicated their life to. If you have to write a term essay or research project, go see your prof early on in the semester with a rough outline. They will give you feedback enabling you to have a better grade and will allow you to get to know your professor.
4. Apply for Research Positions
Many faculties have research positions for 3rd and 4th year students. This is a great way to practice those research skills you learn in your classes and develop a sound academic relationship with a prof.
5. Put Effort into your Assignments
While we all often fall into that trap of handing in assignments late, avoiding this should be your number one priority. Also putting a little bit of effort into your assignments can go a long way. If you are having issues or would like someone to double check your work, check out the many services offered by the university such as the Academic Writing Centre, the Mentoring Centre, Study Groups, and Tutors.
There are many other ways to meet profs outside of the classroom. One way is to ask professors to speak at or help out with student run events on campus. Most faculties organize round tables and lunches with the Dean, use these opportunities to continue to make academic connections. Finally, try and go to conferences and speakers organized by the various faculties and once you are there, do not forget to actively participate!
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