QUICK TIPS FOR E-MAILING
A PROFESSOR

SUBJECT LINE: MEANINGFUL & SPECIFIC
✅“Wednesday Lighting Quiz”
❌“Just Checking In”
❌“Hi!”
GREETING
✅Start with “Dear Professor Last Name”
✅Always spell your teacher’s name correctly
❌“Yo, ‘Sup?”
MESSAGE BODY
✅Use complete sentences.
✅Use “Please” and “Thank You.”
❌Avoid text language, shortcuts, emojis, memes
❌Avoid whimsical fonts or colors
CONTENT
✅Politely, concisely, and clearly state your reason for e-mailing.
✅List a specific assignment title.
✅Ask for clarification first before assuming an error or malice.
✅If you are e-mailing with a problem, suggest a solution.
SIGNATURE
✅Closing with “Sincerely” or “Thank You” is usually appropriate.
✅Include your full name – first and last
✅Identify your course and section: (e.g., "ART3205.200")
SEND
✅Proofread – use spellcheck and Grammarly
✅Allow 12 business hours for a reply
(weekends, holidays, breaks, and the hours between 5pm-9am don’t count)
✅Check your email for a response.
❌Never send when you're angry, drunk, high, or sleep-deprived. Save a draft to send later.
❌Don't use e-mail if the issue can wait and be handled in person.