Research Guides: College 101 Resource Guide: Academic Etiquette

Email Etiquette

Here are some quick etiquette tips for interacting with your instructors over email:

Use a concise, descriptive subject line. Make sure to include your course and section number.
Address your instructor appropriately.
- Do not address your instructor by their first name, unless they have expressed that it's okay to do so.
Introduce yourself using your first and last name.
Keep the body of your email as brief as possible.
- Avoid using slang terms and emojis.
Make sure to sign off of your email respectfully.

Here's an example email using the tips above:

Subject: ENG 111-0002 Request for Meeting
Dear Instructor Daniels,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Betsy Smith, and I am a student in your Thursday evening ENG 111 class. I have a few questions regarding the recent essay assignment and would like to discuss them with you in person.

Could we arrange a one-on-one meeting at your earliest convenience? Please let me know what days/times work for you.

Thank you for your time!
Betsy Smith

Adapted from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (phavi.umcs.pl/at/attachments/2022/1017/112528-academic-etiquette.pdf).

In-Person/In-Class Etiquette

Here are some quick tips for in-person or in-class etiquette:

Attend your classes on time. If you arrive late, try to enter class without causing any distraction.
If you know you need to leave class early, let your instructor know at the beginning of class.
Try your best not to skip class unannounced. If you wake up sick or know in advance that you will not be able to attend certain classes, email your instructor to let them know.
Address your instructor by "Instructor [Last Name]" unless they tell you otherwise.
Raise your hand if you have something to say during class.
Do not use your cellphone, and make sure it's silenced during class.

Adapted from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (www.uww.edu/documents/aaec/academic-success/Academic-Etiquette.pdf)