Talking face to face, sending email and taking responsibility are the key aspects for communicating with faculty effectively, a NE speech assistant professor told students recently.
Lisa Benedetti, communication arts chair, gave an interactive presentation allowing the audience to share their experiences, good or bad.
Getting the instructor’s attention and being able to pair a face with a name is a face-to-face technique, Benedetti said. Taking advantage of the instructor’s office hours is a good way to meet an instructor and for the instructor to know the student as well.
Benedetti said students should respond to emails within 24 hours. If flustered or upset over a grade, students should take some time to clear their heads and then gather their thoughts before immediately responding, she said.
“That way you don’t end up regretting sending an unnecessary email,” she said.
Benedetti also advised taking responsibility. For instance, questions show that a student is engaged and participating.
“Any question is a good question,” she said.
The more interaction and participation, the more an instructor will be familiar with students.
“Take into account that for your goals or future career, instructors could be references,” she said.
Therefore, students should build relationship with their teachers.
The value of experience, going out and doing volunteer services in something pertaining to their career aspirations, is something to consider, Benedetti said. Volunteer services or internships are ways of making connections and can help build a portfolio.
“Remember to be courteous,” she said. “Professors are potential network members, and try thanking a teacher.”
—Coraima Lopez
