Syd Speaks: Approaching a Professor

Sydney Barber

Staff Writer

Dear Syd,

I’m nervous about talking to professors and asking for help. How do you approach building a good relationship with them without feeling awkward or out of place?

Dearest Reader,

I understand the nervousness surrounding asking your professors for help, and can admit to you that during my first year I would try pretty much anything possible to not have to interact with my professors outside of scheduled class time. But what I can tell you about Assumption is that the professors and faculty here really do care about you and want to see you succeed.

I remember how a professor in my sophomore year told us that she just sits in her office during allotted office hours and waits for someone to knock. Sometimes she grades, or makes up course material for the following week of classes, but she noted that she would much rather talk to her students, whether that be helping with assignments, discussing useful study techniques, or just chatting about life and our future endeavors. That completely changed my view on going to my professors for help and it allowed me to build strong connections and relationships with them as well. Even if that means you just pop your head into their office to say hi or ask a quick question regarding the homework or an upcoming exam, it shows the professor that you care about their class and are taking steps to succeed. This also helps build student-professor morale. Though, not all professors may share this view, more often than not it is valuable to try.

If the thought of going to your professor and chatting it up sounds like absolute hell for you, then I can also suggest the Academic Support Center, which is an amazing tool we have here at Assumption. The ASC is made up of over 30 scholar students that are there to help you with any subject that you may be struggling with. These subjects range from specific courses to general writing help. I definitely recommend utilizing this free tutoring tool to help you further understand your course material. You may even see some familiar Provoc faces up there! 🙂