How to Email Your Professor Like a Functioning Adult

Spoiler: “Hey prof, I slept through class. What’d I miss?” is not the move

By: Parmis Etezady

Credit: Pinterest

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Good afternoon Rowdy fam, I hope this article has found you well. 

Has your professor ever exposed previous students’ poorly written emails that were so goofy they had your jaw-dropping? Mine has. 

One of my past professors began syllabus week showing real examples of past student emails that were so insane, I found it hard to believe an adult could think of, write and hit send on such a combination of words. It is crazy to see so many students email professors or other faculty members as if they’re sending a casual text to their best friend.

Many students insert abbreviations that are not appropriate in academic settings, fail to spell check their writing or even use text-with-your-friends-only speech like “What’s up” or “Lol.” 

Listen, I get it. Writing emails to professors can be super stressful, especially when you’re asking for an extension, excused absence or begging to bump up your grade. 

We’ve all been there: not knowing what to write, or even getting Chat GPT to write an email for us. But please hear me out – all of the hassle is not necessary. And the lack of hassle is also unnecessary.

You don’t need an English degree to write a decent e-letter. But I have to say, "Hey, i wasnt in class today did i miss anything important?" is not the move. Let’s get into a short, but sweet outline for how to email your professors like a barely functioning adult. 

1. Introduction 

   Start your email with a greeting such as “Good morning [afternoon, evening]” and the name of your professor (Dr., Ms./Mrs., or Professor). No Hey’s or Hi’s please. Hit “Enter” twice and continue. 

2. Body

   Introduce who you are if you know your professor won’t recognize your name or email address. Clearly explain what you are messaging them for in professional language (PLEASE no acronyms, I’m begging!!!)/ Also, try to be specific so there’s no ambiguity. I would refrain from including any fluff in the text: your professor doesn’t have time to notice if your email has found them well. Get straight to the point – respectfully. 

   
   

   If you missed a class, email your professor ASAP with an appropriate reason (not “I slept through my alarm”) and emphasize your intention to make up the work. Hit “Enter” twice again when you’re done. 

3. Conclusion

   End your email with a closing goodbye statement such as “Thank you,” “Enjoy your day,” “Kind Regards,” “Best,” etc. and your full name. 

PSAs 

• If your professor has a PhD, you should refer to them as “Dr.” 

• Please please please don’t write “to” as “2”.

• I can’t believe I have to say this, but capitalization and punctuation is a must. 

• Try not to forget to delete “Get Outlook for iOS” from the end of your email before you send it. 

Another thing: your teacher most likely needs to know your class name and/or section. This can go in the subject line or at the end of the email under your name!

Now that someone is literally telling you how to write an email, I better not be seeing any “Sup, what’d we do in class?” emails being shown by my professors on the projector screen!

You’re welcome and enjoy your day,

Parmis Etezady

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Parmis is the Assistant Online Editorial Director at Rowdy Magazine. In her free time, she loves to discover new TV shows, visit local coffee shops, and find the nearest thrift store! Keep up with her on Insta, @parmisetez.