Here's why you should meet your professors

No matter where you are in your college journey, it can feel intense when it comes to meeting with your professors. ASU is also a big place, which might add to that overwhelming feeling, but I’m here to tell you that creating this connection is one of the best things you can do to gain help inside and outside the classroom. Here are some answers to common questions that may help you.

Where do I start if I want to get to know a professor? 

Send an email

If you don't quite know how to approach them, sometimes it's easier to start by emailing them. In your email, you can ask a question, let them know you’re interested in getting to know them, or ask for their advice on managing the course load, and, yes, make sure to ask about how you should study for exams. You can also do this in person or over the phone.

Go to office hours

Office hours are when your professors make themselves available specifically to help students. So, consider this an open invitation and the easiest way to meet them. You can ask to schedule an office hours appointment via email, phone, or in person. Professors put their office hours in the course syllabus so you can easily see when they are available. If you are not free, then let them know, and they will work with you to meet at another time.  

When students reach out first, it shows initiative, letting the professor know you’re engaged with their class. Professors will naturally respond to your initiative with great willingness to help.

I have a meeting with my professor. Now what?

Get to know them. Ask them questions about their experiences, passions, or what led them to where they are today. Learning about these things from a professor whose class you enjoy can spark ideas about what you want out of ASU and help you figure out what you want to do in life.

Why should I meet with my professors?

Coming to ASU as a first-generation student, I did not know where to begin. I just knew that I wanted to become a lawyer. My first step towards meeting with my professors started with an appointment I made with my Student Success Coach.

My coach made me comfortable with the idea of reaching out to resources. By the first semester of my sophomore year, I regularly met with one of my professors whose class has shaped me into the person I am today. I continued talking with this professor even after I had finished her class. During the first semester of my junior year, she asked me to be her undergraduate research assistant for her research project that focused on creating a graduate degree program for people who want to become teachers. I received the opportunity to try to create something that would help strengthen education in Arizona. I realized I wanted nothing more than to become a teacher than a lawyer. All of this was possible because I consistently met with my professor. 

Benefits of meeting your professors

Here are some practical reasons why you should meet with your professors (based on my experiences): 

1. It will make the class seem less scary or overwhelming.
2. They offer great advice for approaching course material.
3. They can provide better explanations of challenging concepts.
4. They always offer extra help on exams and midterms.
5. They'll share resources you might not have known about otherwise.
6. They provide confidence boosts when you need it most.
7. Professors can help you determine your goals during and after college.
8. If you meet with professors enough, they might reach out to you with opportunities they think you’d like or opportunities they think you’d be an excellent fit for.

Everyone at ASU wants you to succeed, especially your professors, and the sooner you talk to them, the sooner you’ll see for yourself!

By Celeste Zuniga, Philosophy and Justice Studies double-major, and student success coach