To: Evan Crisp, UBC student <bahaguy5454@hotmail.com>
From: Justin Tang, UBC ENGL 301 student <jtang102@student.ubc.ca>
Date: March 22, 2023
Subject: Best Practices for Writing an Email to a Professor
Dear Evan,
Below you will find pointers to writing a professional email to a professor. These pointers will ensure a timely response and the desired outcome.
Best practices for writing emails to professors include:
- Avoid the using the word “you.”
- Ensure a professional and polite tone
- Use a school-affiliated email address
- Address the professor with their appropriate title such as ‘Dr’ or ‘Professor’
- Include a concise subject line to clearly outline the contents of the email including your student number and course code
- Start the email by formally addressing the professor such as ‘Dear Professor Lambert’
- Avoid the use of abbreviations and slang
- Focus on the reader’s point of view and on reader benefit
- Avoid the use of imperatives (commands) to avoid condescension
- Avoid unnecessary information and assumptions
- Express appreciation to professor for their time and consideration
- Use a formal sign off that includes full name, for example ‘Thank you, Evan Crisp”
These practices are helpful for writing professional emails to professors. Please email me at jtang102@student.ubc.ca if you have any questions.
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