Ten Do's and Don'ts of Communicating with Instructors

1. DO ask the instructor how s/he prefers to be addressed.  This is respectful and demonstrates professionalism on your part.  While some prefer you to address them by first name, others prefer you to use their title, such as Doctor.
   
2. DON'T be offended if the instructor prefers to be addressed in a way that is different (more or less formal) than you are used to.  This is simply a personal preference that may stem from professional background, experience, and/or culture.  A preference for you to use a formal title, such as Doctor, before their name, does not indicate the instructor believes s/he is better than you or that that s/he doesn't like you. 
   
3. DON'T refer to instructor as "hun," "honey," "dude," or other informal term of endearment.  It is generally not appropriate in the context of school and/or work, even if you consider it friendly or harmless.  
4. DO read the syllabus.  A syllabus is usually provided or made available the first week of class.  It often includes essential class information, like the  learning outcomes, instructor contact information, class grading scale, and assignment deadlines.
5. DO find out if and how you are expected to inform instructors of absences in advance (especially during important deadlines).  This may be explained in the syllabus.
6. DO take note of instructors' office hours, office location, phone number and email so you can contact them  if you need to.
7. DO use your official school email account.  This provides a record for you and the instructor to keep track of communications with dates and times.
8. DO include enough information in any phone message for the instructor to return your call.  Include your name (and if applicable student I.D. number), short message, and return phone number. 
9. DON'T expect instructors to be at their desks waiting by the phone to return your calls and emails, when they are not in class.  They often have other commitments (such as other classes, research and meetings).  They also may have periods where they are off contract (if they are not full-time, full-year staff).  For instance, they may be off during winter, spring and/or summer break.
10. DON'T wait until the day (or hour) before a deadline to ask for help.  Pay attention to course deadlines and the school's academic calendar of important dates.