Working with Faculty

How do I work with faculty?

Aeronautics and Astronautics faculty value working with students in many different capacities - whether it's in the classroom, specific research projects, or during office hours. Here are some tips from them to you on how to make a positive impact along with some things to avoid.

Do This!

Reach out.

Communicating with instructors is highly recommended, particularly if you have questions about course readings, theories, or additional research you've come across. Communicating is also vital if you have an issue or problem that may require additional assistance or flexibility from instructors. Communicate these needs early and respectfully - instructors want you to be successful!

Have an agenda.

Aeronautics and Astronautics faculty are very busy. A great way to show your interest is to arrive to office hours or appointments with a set of specific questions for the instructor. These questions can be related to the course material or to the faculty's research outside of the classroom. Be clear and concise with your needs!

Add new insight to class discussions.

Instructors love the unexpected insights that often crop up in classroom discussions. This only happens if students are truly engaged in the course material. So don't be afraid to ask questions, make connections between readings, and speak up in class. 

Things to Avoid

Asking questions about a course or assignment that have been answered on the syllabus.

Assignment deadlines, best practices and expectations, assigned readings - these are often provided on day one in the form of a paper or online syllabus. Referencing the syllabus should always be your first course of action. If you can't find the answer to your question here, consult your peers. If a small group of you are unable to find an answer, consult the instructor.

Overstaying appointment times.

Related to the second point, above - instructors are busy! Having a clear agenda with specific questions will ensure your appointment time is used effectively.

Waiting until the last minute to communicate deadline issues, needs, problems, etc.

While instructors are invested in student success, they do need time to process requests or deal with an academic issue. If you need additional assistance with assignment comprehension or are having trouble understanding a theory, email your instructor sooner rather than later. The night before an assignment deadline is too late for the instructor to offer additional assistance.

Dominating classroom discussion 

Classroom discussions are meant to facilitate deeper understanding of course materials. If one person dominates the classroom, this means others are not being heard. Again, being clear and concise with your ideas/thoughts/questions in class will serve you well and allow you to hear insights from others. Instructors experience a higher level of engagement with students who are themselves engaged - your discussion etiquette is a key component.