As has become increasingly evident in class, I am not one to use the computer frequently. In the case of email, my trend continues. I did not even create a formal email until senior year for the sole purpose of applying to school and contacting teachers, advisors, and alumni for interviews. However, after coming to college, my email usage has increased significantly. I check my university email daily to see if I have important updates from professors or graduate student instructors. As for my email strategy, I am currently trying to get a grasp on the proper etiquette and format for emailing professors in a more formal fashion.
My emailing strategies have greatly improved since classes have commenced. I was sick and had to contact professors letting them know and I struggled with how to approach beginning the email. Do I use a heading? Do I use “sincerely” or “thank you for you time” at the end? These were all questions that plagued me when I was trying to compose these messages. However, I have now realized that email is supposed to be convenient for all users; therefore, after the formalities have subsided, many professors have begun to email me just as friends would at home. In short, there is a time and place for etiquette, but after all is said and done it is about convenience and formalities are unnecessary in the email forum.
I can relate to your dilemma with how to begin an email to professors. It's always difficult to determine what opening and closing would be most appropriate. I have also noticed that the response from my teachers or professors have been notably less formal than the emails I have sent. This is nice because it allows me to relax a little with the language I use and makes things less regimented and stiff. I have much more of a comfort level asking professors a question or emailing them in general when they respond that way.
ReplyDeleteI also never quite know what to do when emailing with professors. I try to be as formal and polite as possible. However I find more often than not that they reply in a much more casual manner than I expected. This in turn makes me feel more comfortable with them, and I get a better sense that they are on the same page as I am. This may be because I am in the School of Music and the teachers there are very close to the students, but I'm not sure. Every professor is different and you must treat them in a specific way.
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