You think we don’t see you staring at your lap to text, but we do. There is nothing you can do to make a professor loathe you faster than using social media during class. You are also wasting the hard-earned money it took to put you in that classroom. On that note, make your social media settings private. Don't post anything you wouldn't want a professor (or employer) to see, starting now.
When you write an email to us, write formally. Start with ”Dear Professor X.” Sign with a proper closing such as “Best.” You’ll be noticed for your good manners and professionalism.
Go to office hours. We have set times we are in our offices, waiting to talk to you. Stop by early in the semester with a question and introduce yourself. Some good ones are: “What is the best way to approach the reading assignments?” or “Can I discuss a possible paper topic with you?” or, “I really didn’t understand what you said in class about Marx’s theory of use-value. Could you explain?”
