Contrary to what you might have heard, most college instructors appreciate your willingness to ask for appointments. Although it might seem a little scary, the best way to establish an appropriate relationship with an instructor is to schedule an appointment early in the term. At this meeting, introduce yourself, tell why you are taking the course (besides that it’s required), and say what you hope to learn from it. Ask about the instructor’s academic background and why he or she chose college teaching as a career. You can learn a great deal about your instructor from simply looking around the office at pictures of family members or animals, posters of favorite movies or travel locations, or sports banners.

The relationships you develop with instructors will be valuable to you both now and in the future. People who become college faculty members do so because they have a real passion for learning about a particular subject. If you and your professor share an interest in a particular field of study, you will have the opportunity to develop a true friendship based on mutual interests. Instructors who know you well can also write that all-important letter of reference when you are applying to graduate or professional school or seeking your first job after college.