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Be mindful of your teacher's inbox
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Use your GSC email account
- Start with a new message instead of replying to some old email your teacher sent you
- Put a clear and proper title in the subject line
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Structure the content your email message in a professional way
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Use a conventional salutation
- Immediately say what class you are in, indicating the day and time that it meets
- Make your message as clear and concise as possible
- Statement of your problem or interest
- Question that is relevant to that problem or interest
- Justification of question (why do you need an answer)
- Request for response (if you need one)
- Express your gratitude in a genuine way
- Sign your full name after saying “Sincerely” or “Regards” etc.
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Before you send the email, save it as a draft so you can check over it
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Make sure you ask no questions that can be answered by the syllabus
- Polished grammar is a must; be sure you use complete sentences and complete words
- Your entire message should give an impression of consideration and care
- The convenience of email does not make it an informal means of communicating
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Reasons to email (know your rhetorical situation)
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Alert your teacher about a future absence
- Request an appointment during office hours
- Ask a question about the some part of the course material that is confusing you
- Share something of interest that is relevant to a recent lecture
- Express thanks for an appointment you had with your teacher
- Apologize for something rude you might have done
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Important Considerations
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Make sure you use email with your teacher in a way that falls within his or her course policies.
- When you email or visit a teacher, your demeanor says more than you think.
- Credibility is an image that you project to another person.
- Deference is the key to a good image in the eyes of one who wields grades.
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