To get a professor's attention, students should email professors formally with an informative subject line and concise message expressing interest in their research and qualifications. Students should take advantage of office hours by coming prepared with questions and notes to build rapport with professors. Doing so can help students get research opportunities or letters of recommendation. When emailing or meeting with professors, students should be respectful, truthful, and ask for help if needed. Forming relationships with professors makes them more likely to assist students.

1. How to Woo a Professor
By the Neptune Community

2. Emails
 Have an informative subject line
 Be concise
 Be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
 Do not use Mrs. or Ms. – use “Professor” instead
 Do NOT use slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
If applying for an opening:
 Address any qualifications the professor is looking for
 Demonstrate your experience
If asking for a research opportunity:
 State specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read
the professor's website)
 Explain why research is important for your goals
 Ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours

3. Good Example
Dear Dr. Professor (Dear Professor Lastname),
I am a year student at university majoring in major. How you
found out about the professor's research. Expression of interest
in specific paper or topic. I would appreciate the chance to talk with
you about your research in topic of interest and about possible
undergraduate opportunities in your lab.
My experience in research experience or class, confirmed my
intention to develop my research skills and goal. I know you are very
busy. We could schedule an appointment or I can drop by your office
hours on day and time.
I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript. Please let me
know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to
talking to you soon.
Respectfully,
Name

4. Office Hours
 Take advantage of them! If you…
 Have questions about topics in class
 Want a letter of recommendation
 Would like to network

5. Office Hours Etiquette
 Begin any appointment prepared with a pen and paper,
ready to take notes. Always, always, ALWAYS take
notes.
 Plan out your questions you want to ask
 Always ask questions!
 Thank them for their time
 Send a follow up email explaining how they helped you,
or if you have more questions

6. Testimonials
 What tips have you used to “Woo” your professor?
 RA Allison- Don’t forget your professors are real people too, there is no reason
to be scared of them!
 RA Priscilla- Make sure you know their correct name and how to pronounce it!
 RA Megan- Be truthful with them! They can often tell when you’re lying about
why you couldn’t attend an event or missing a deadline.
 GRC Alyse- If you need to ask for an extension, or need help for any reason –
ASK! If you don’t ask, the answer is automatically, “no!”
It is easier to ask a professor for help or an extension if you have already formed a
relationship with them, but if you haven’t done that, do not be afraid to reach out
for help at this point in the semester! Like Allison said, your professors are real
people, and are usually more willing to help than you might think!