Memorandum
To: Evan Crisp, Unidentified Student
From: Duffy Du, ENGL 301 Student
Date: March 08, 2022
Subject: Best Practices in Writing to A Professor
Dear Evan,
Below is the memo you requested on the best practices in writing to a professor. These strategies can greatly increase your chance of getting a response when seeking to be added to a full course:
- Having a subject that starts with the relevant course code(s) and a short phrase describing the purpose of the email
- e.g. ENGL301 – Course Registration Request
- Starting the email off with “Dear Professor [last name of the professor],” shows respect towards the reader
- Introducing yourself and stating the problem with a great level of detail
- e.g. I am a current UBC student looking to register for the course [course code and name of course] in sections [section number]. Unfortunately, all sections are full and I am writing to inquire about the possibility of getting manually added to the course.
- Using formal and friendly language and avoiding the use of acronyms and slangs
- Writing with a positive attitude and focusing on what can be done
- e.g. It would be greatly appreciated if you could add me to the course.
- Avoiding the use of imperative verbs and negative words can improve the overall tone of the email
- Omitting personal details that are irrelevant to the topic of discussion
- Providing your contact information and politely request for a response
- Finishing the email with closing words like “Sincerely”, “Many Thanks” etc. and signing off
By adopting these strategies in your email communications with the professor, you will have a greater chance of getting a response. Please contact me at duffydu@student.ubc.ca if you have any further questions. Best of luck in your course registration!
Warm wishes,
Duffy Du
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