How to Talk to Faculty

Tips:

• Check out Learning Assistance for options related to tutoring and study skills.
• Check out our other tips for academic success.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to see if we could connect soon to discuss how I’m doing in your class and any new steps I can be taking.  Based on our last (test, assignment), I’m a little concerned and want to make sure I’m using all of my resources.  Do you have some time when we can connect?  If you prefer, I can stay after class or catch you during office hours.

Thanks,
(your name)

• You are still responsible for work that is due on the day that you will miss – make sure you get it turned in or that you have communicated with your faculty otherwise.
• Don’t assume you will be able to make up missed work.  You may get a lower grade for participation, or have your final grade lowered based on absences.  Don’t assume your absence will be excused even if the professor accepts your excuse. Consult the course syllabus for the course absence policy.
• Don’t expect your professor to teach you the material individually – they get many such requests and can’t meet with every student.  Instead, talk to a classmate and use office hours with your faculty member to clarify concepts.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to attend your class (name) on (day) because of (“an unexpected family crisis” / “on-going health issues”, etc.).  My plan is to work with a classmate to get the material but I wanted to reach out to you just in case there is anything special that I might miss.  I’m happy to meet if needed.  I’m sorry to miss class; I know how important it is to be present whenever possible.

Thank you,
(your name)

Tips:

• Don’t assume you will be able to make up missed work.  You may get a lower grade for participation, or have your final grade lowered based on absences.  Don’t assume your absence will be excused even if the professor accepts your excuse.
• Don’t expect your professor to teach you the material individually – they get many such requests and can’t meet with every student.  Instead, talk to a classmate and use office hours with your faculty member to clarify concepts.
• Going forward, always communicate with your faculty member ahead of any absences.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I wanted to quickly apologize for missing class today.  I had hoped to email you beforehand but was unable to do so.  I’ll be in our next class and can share more details then.  My plan is to connect with a classmate to get the material but I wanted to reach out to you just in case there is anything special that I might have missed. Obviously, I understand that I might not be able to make up some of the work but also like to meet if that’s the case to explain the situation further.

I apologize again. I look forward to our next class.

Thank you,
(your name)

Tips:

• Be open to the idea that you might have missed too much work to complete the class successfully and that you might be better off taking a W.
• Remember that the professor will try to maintain fairness between your situation and others in the class; don’t expect that they can help.
• Often, making up past work gets in the way of future learning; consider this as you decide whether to stay in the class.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m writing with my sincere apologies for having missed so many classes over the past [time frame].  I know how important it is to be in class, and that I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities.  Over the past [time frame], I’ve been dealing with (“some extended health issues”, “some difficult family issues”) that have prevented me from being fully present at Elon or in my classes.  My plan is to begin attending again starting with our next class.

If you agree, I’d like to share more detail and ask for your advice on the best path forward.  My sincere hope is that I can make up some or all of the work I have missed although I recognize that doing so may be difficult.  Is there a time when we can connect soon?

Thank you,
(your name)

Tips:

• Be honest; don’t lie or create excuses.
• Always include a specific date when you will complete the work. Do everything you can to keep your promise and finish the work by the extended deadline.
• Be prepared to accept a lower grade because you were late – don’t expect you will get full credit. It would be unfair to other students.  Check your course syllabus for any policies on late assignments.
• If they don’t respond, turn in what you have and talk to them after class to see if you can extend your work further.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m worried that I’m not going to be able to turn in (assignment) that is due on (day) because (reason).   With your permission, I’d like to see if I could turn it in on (day) by (time) at the latest.  I understand this might mean that I get some points taken off.  I’m happy to chat with you about the circumstances involved and will be in our next class to check in.  If I don’t hear from you, I will turn in what I have but will try to talk to you after class.

Thank you,
(your name)

Tips:

• Be honest; don’t lie or create excuses.
• Be prepared to accept a lower grade; also be prepared that you might not be able to make up this grade.
• If the professor does not respond, plan to talk to them after class or attend office hours before the next class.

Hi Professor X (or Dr. X if your professor prefers),

I’m writing with my sincere apologies for having (“missed our test”, “not turned in my assignment”) today.  I realize this is a big mistake and that I should have communicated with you beforehand.  The reason I (“missed”, “did not turn it in”) is because (reason).

Would it be possible to meet soon and discuss what happened?  I would really like to explain further and talk about any chance I might have to make up the (test, assignment)?  I recognize that I would not be able to get full points, if that’s what you determine is fair to the rest of the class.

Again, I truly apologize for missing today’s (test, assignment).

Thank you,
(your name)