From the time they arrive for orientation, UM-D students constantly hear the advice, "Make sure you get to know your professors." Making the effort seems reasonable enough until you consider what following through might mean. Maybe you perceive that some instructors are unapproachable. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories from others that seem to confirm your worst fears. After all, instructors are important, busy, highly intelligent people who couldn’t care less about your progress in class, right? WRONG!

Even if you’re brave enough to venture into your instructor’s realm during posted office hours, what do you say? Isn’t visiting your instructor really just "polishing the apple"? You have dignity: you have pride. How much would you risk for the nebulous chance at a few extra points? If you follow some simple guidelines, you will find most interactions with your instructors to be helpful, as well as pleasant.

1. Visit your instructor during posted office hours or a scheduled appointment.

This may seem obvious, but trying to catch your instructor outside of these two opportunities will make it difficult for her/him to consider your concerns with focused, careful attention. It isn’t that your instructor doesn’t want to be bothered, but she/he has many other responsibilities to manage besides teaching class. Your instructor is prepared to help students during office hours and appointments and is ready at those times to devote attention to the issues you wish to discuss.

2. Visit your instructor when you have legitimate issues to discuss.

"What constitutes a legitimate issue?" you ask. See your instructor if:

1. You honestly cannot understand why you performed poorly on a test, paper, or other assignment. (If you know that the reason for your poor performance is lack of preparation, don’t waste your time or your instructor’s asking what you can do to improve—study smarter starting today! Also, don’t expect extra points as a result of your visit. Better grades should be a result of your future improved performance, not your instructor’s generosity.)
2. You are considering pursuing a major in your instructor’s area of expertise and would like more information.
3. You aren’t planning to major in your instructor’s area of expertise, but you are very interested in the course material and would like to know about other opportunities to learn more.
4. You are considering going to graduate school in your instructor’s area of expertise and would like more information.
5. You would like information about good courses in the instructor’s area of expertise to take as a follow-up to your current course.

3. Prepare before going to see your instructor.

1. Plan your questions ahead of time, even write them down so you can make sure you cover all your concerns. S/he can’t help with questions you forget to ask.
2. If you’re going to see your instructor about grades, take all your graded material with you, along with lecture notes and other study aids. Looking over these materials can help your instructor pinpoint what you could do differently or what you are missing.
3. If you’re considering a major or graduate school in your instructor’s area of expertise, here are some questions to consider during your visit:

        (1) How did you decide to major in this field?

        (2) Are you glad you made that decision?

        (3) What initially interested you about this subject?

        (4) What within the field especially interests you?

        (5) Other than teaching at the university level, what other career opportunities exist that directly relate to this major?

        (6) Are you aware of any internship opportunities that could help me explore this major further?

        (7) If I choose this major, what other opportunities exist for study or research within the department?

        (8) What do you recommend I do to prepare for graduate school?

        (9) What graduate schools would you recommend to someone interested in this field of study?

        (10) What other information can you share to help me make an informed decision?

4. Visit your instructor with an open, friendly attitude.

This is fairly easy to do if you’re interested and excited about the course, but can be difficult if you’re not performing as well as you feel you should. Keep in mind that your instructor is teaching because s/he loves the subject, and would like nothing more than to interest you in the material. Try to look at the subject matter from the perspective of someone who is fascinated by it and respect your instructor for her/his expertise, if nothing else. Being defensive is the quickest way to turn off your instructor’s desire to help, so be open to suggestions; if you have questions about what s/he is recommending, just ask.

Although the above suggestions won’t necessarily cover every interaction you have with your instructors, they will make a real difference in many cases. Remember, instructors are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, and brothers (they’re human). Many are unaware that their students feel uncomfortable in approaching them, so relax. Be yourself—open, friendly, and academically curious. Make sure you leave the office with a clear plan for your future studies and assignments, return for another visit if necessary. The relationships you form with your instructors can be instrumental to opening opportunities for success.