Do's & Don'ts

 

• DO come to an advising appointment prepared with a tentative schedule of classes for the upcoming semester.

• DO be on time and ready with your questions.

• DO silence your phone.

• DO phone or email your adviser if you are going to be late or need to reschedule.

• DO wear appropriate attire.

• DO remove sunglasses and cap/hat.

• DON'T wear headphones or earphones.

• DON'T text or take personal phone calls during advisement.

• DON'T bring your best friend, boyfriend or girlfriend with you. This is your academic future not theirs.

 

 

• DO attend class regularly and turn your assignments in on time.

• DO ask thoughtful questions after being called upon.

• DO call or email the professor before class starts if you are unable to attend. Remember to ask a classmate to take notes for you.

• DO use pen and paper to take notes OR turn off your wireless during class if typing your notes.

• DO silence your phone and keep it put away.

• DON'T surf the web.

• DON'T sleep at your desk.

• DON'T read the newspaper or other non-class materials.

• DON'T eat foods that can cause a distraction like crunchy foods, loud crinkly wrappers, or something with a strong smell.

• DON'T ask personal or off-topic questions. (see the professor after class or during office hours).

• DON'T text or use your phone in class.

• DON'T talk while the professor is speaking.

• DON'T walk out halfway through a class or pack up until the professor has dismissed everyone.

 

 

• When emailing advisers, include your full name, student ID#; for professors, also add your course and section #.

• Choose professional sounding email addresses (USM email is preferred).

• Don't expect immediate feedback; allow 24 hours during normal business hours for a response.

• List a brief reason for the email in the subject line (ex. Question re: homework assignment).

• Compose your email in a professional manner just as you would writing a business letter containing a greeting and closing.

• Be wary of using political or religious taglines in your emails as they may be offensive to others (particularly when communicating with prospective employers).

• Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors before sending; use a professional font.

• Keep it brief. Don't send an email if an extended conversation is required. Make an appointment to meet during his/her office hours instead.

• Use smiles, winks, and other graphical symbols only when appropriate. This is an email not a text message so no shorthand.

 

Page content is courtesy of Etiquette 101: Teaching Students Etiquette They Will Use Now & After College
by the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University.