Email is one of the most common ways college students contact their professors in between class or office hours. Unfortunately, many students write emails to professors like they write text messages to their friends. Needless to say, this is off-putting to many professors.

A basic understanding of email etiquette ensures that you will avoid common mistakes that can lead professors to form negative impressions of you. It can also help you present yourself in a positive manner in a variety of professional contexts. The good news is that appropriate email etiquette is simple to learn.

Here are some tips for college students to keep in mind when emailing a professor:

1. Before you start your email, make sure the answer to your question is not easily found in the course syllabus.
2. Send your email from your official university email account.
3. Use the subject line to describe the content of your email.
4. Never begin your message with the word "Hey" ("Hi" is fine).
5. Use an appropriate title followed by the professor's last name (e.g., Prof. Lastname, Dr. Lastname).
6. Identify yourself by name in the body of your message (e.g., "This is [Your name] from your [name or number of class] class").
7. Write formally, using standard punctuation, spelling, grammar, and capitalization. Always proofread and check your spelling before sending.
8. Avoid smiley faces, emoticons, and the sort of acronyms frequently used in text messages (e.g., LOL, u, idk).
9. Be polite, respectful, and think about what you are hoping to accomplish with your email.
10. Never send an email when you are angry.

These tips were assembled from the following sources, each of which provides additional information on the subject of email etiquette for college students:

• Re: Your Recent Email to Your Professor
• Wellesley College Project on Social Computing Netiquette Guidelines

Tags: student success