Everyone looks forward to going to college for many different reasons. For some it may be the opportunity of finally having freedom and independence, for others the chance to learn new things is incredibly enticing. Regardless of the reason we are excited for college, many things will change the second you decide what school you will attend.
One aspect of college that I had very little, if any, experience in was the new way of communicating and collaborating with others. As a high school student I had an email account but it was only used for facebook and online purchases. When I arrived to college I was immediately overcome by the wave of communication done via email. Having learned the hard way, I realized there was a right and a wrong way to communicate and collaborate with others through email.
One of the most important lines of communication used via email is that with instructors and professors. Whenever an issue or a question pops up while taking a course, often times the best way to get an answer is through an email. However, when emailing a professor you should not construct your email as though you are sending a text message to your friends. There is a form of etiquette, some refer to this as netiquette, that should be used when composing these inquires. You should always address your professor in a professional manner. How you address them is the first thing they will read, and if you upset/offend them by calling them an inappropriate name, you likely will not receive the response you desire. Another important part of communicating via email is having a precise yet complete subject line. Let the reader know what you are about to discuss in a short description, but try not to leave them guessing either. For example just putting chapter 5 as the subject line for an email regarding a certain topic in chapter 5 would not be sufficient. My final point of advice regarding school related emails has to do with the body of your document. This is where the meat of the email is, and you want to fully explain yourself. With that being said overindulging can ruin an inquiry. Again be precise in what it is you are trying to say, and be respectful. It is never wise to use sarcasm or slang terms that could convey the wrong message. A good tip I received in regards to composing a professional email was to write the email as though it were a formal letter to the president. Keeping this in mind helps you make sure you remember to do things properly and that you type with thought.
With all of these tips for writing emails to professors, one still must keep in mind that sometimes an email is not the best avenue for communication. Often times when you find yourself struggling to say what you would like, or you are just rambling on, the best option is to pick up the phone and call. With all the incredible advancements in technology, people forget that talking to someone can be the best way to communicate. There is no room for misinterpretation when you are speaking with someone, as opposed to reading an email.
Hopefully these few easy tips can help future college students compose emails and communicate with professors in a proficient manor.
Nick