Skip to Content
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Links
Accessibility Events Libraries Maps Departments ConnectCarolina UNC Search
Counseling And Psychological Services
Home/Self Help/How to Talk to Your Professors

Self Help Topics

  • Academic Success
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Body Image and Eating Disorders
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Nutrition Education
  • Physical Activity
  • Relationships
  • Sleep
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Understanding and Healing from Racial Trauma

How to Talk to Your Professors

Talking to your professor can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Here are a few thoughts and considerations that can help you feel comfortable and confident in approaching your professors:

  • Think clearly about your goal. What are you trying to accomplish? What are you asking for from your professor? (Examples: assistance understanding a concept, permission to turn a paper in late; explaining why you have not been in class)
  • Think through how to convey your message clearly. Think about what forms of communication you would feel most comfortable using. (For instance, some people find it easier to initially make contact by e-mail)
  • Don’t make assumptions about how your professor will react. Sometimes anticipating criticism can get in the way of taking the steps you need to reach your goal.
  • Remember that we all tend to react better to requests than demands. Remember, your professor does not owe it to you to meet you request.
  • Don’t be surprised when your professor asks for documentation supporting your situation. Think ahead and offer support.
  • Focus on trying to accomplish your goal, rather than how your Professor may be evaluating you. Attend to the help you need from your Professor in order to move forward, rather than worrying that your professor will be disapproving.
  • Don’t fail to act just because you feel nervous or uncomfortable. Find ways to manage your stress and think of this as an opportunity to learn to handle stress.
  • Don’t assume if a professor makes an exception for you that you can count on future exceptions.  Rather, learn from this experience to handle future demands differently.
  • Think of your professor’s office hours as a resource. Utilize office hours early in the semester, even if there is no problem; form relationships with your professors to support your academic goals.
Sharing and printing options:
Contact Us

James A. Taylor Building

CB# 7470

320 Emergency Room Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599

V: 919-966-3658
T: T-711

[email protected]

Training Programs
Hours

Open Monday - Friday

Initial visits (no appt needed):
9:00 am - 12:00 pm,
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Urgent needs:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Office hours:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

24/7 Phone Line
919-966-3658

Campus Partners

Campus Health

Student Wellness

Campus Rec

Dean of Students

Learning Center

Heels Care Network
Caps Services

Initial CAPS Assessments

Brief Therapy

Medication Management

Academic Interventions

Urgent Concerns

Outreach

Policies

Internship/Practicum Opportunities

UNC Student Affairs
Follow us:
Visit our FacebookVisit our InstagramVisit our TwitterVisit our YouTube channel
x
chat loading...
searchclosechevron-downbars linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram