It’s not as scary as you’d think
Getting to know your professors can be one of the most important and useful tools in an undergraduate career. Professors may seem intimidating at first, but they appreciate when students take the time to attend their office hours. Whether it is for essay help, or just to introduce yourself, professors appreciate being able to put a face to a name.
“It is extremely beneficial for students to get to know their professors,” comments Gregor Campbell, Professor for the U of G College of Arts, “You build self confidence as a student when you find out that Profs are very human even if they pretend that they are not.”
Professors are also always looking to improve their teaching strategies and change their curriculums based on what newer generations of students are looking for. They are naturally encouraged to put increasingly more effort and creativity into their lectures when students make the effort to communicate with them.
“It is rewarding for the professors to go the extra mile if the student is going to read the extra article, the extra book,” said Professor Campbell.
U of Guelph alumnus, Julianne Streeter, believes it is an excellent idea for students to get to know their professors. She told her own story about getting to know a professor and asking for help on a lengthy essay – she ended up doing really well on the paper because she made the effort to seek further help after class.
“I’d say getting to know your professors is a great step in getting the most out of your education,” comments Julianne. “Your professors are avid learners themselves and are passionate about the subjects they teach. Taking the time to converse with them and build relationships really helps with your progression in their courses.”
Cinda Gault, Professor at the Guelph-Humber campus and former University of Guelph professor, commented that an important friendship of hers grew out of interacting with her professors. She explained that she did not attend her professor’s office hours until she returned to school in her adult years, and it helped improve her essays and learning experience.
“When my kids were undergrads, I told them to go to office hours – which most students don’t bother with – and talk to their professors about upcoming essays,” said Professor Gault. “I didn’t do that myself until I came back to school as an older person, and it enriched my engagement with the issues of my essays.”
As a first year student making the transition from high school to university, it is understandable that approaching a professor is nothing like approaching a high school teacher – it can be quite intimidating at times. However, making that extra effort is important and extremely relevant in your success as a student. Although the professors may seem intimidating, they are actually hoping for students to engage with them over their office hours and outside of course material. Not only do students learn more from taking that extra step, but the professors also learn more from their students. It’s an exchange that helps both parties – what better way to improve your teaching styles than to have your own students provide feedback? What better way to score that extra grade on an essay than to approach the source of the assignment and find out exactly what that professor is looking for? Remember, professors were once undergraduate students themselves – they understand what we go through, and they were once nervous to approach their own professors.