Embedded Files
Contacting Tips
Contacting Tips
Communication and taking advantage of available resources is one of the key ways I was successful as an online student. I have provided information for some of the ways to communicate with me. Feel free to use the methods that work best for you and your needs.
Tip: When contacting someone in written form (email, Canvas Inbox, etc.), it is best to be detailed in your messages:
Your full name
Course name and section number
The purpose of your contact with details (exact name of the assignment as it appears in the gradebook, words of a direction/feedback that are confusing, and explanation of what you need help with, any needed links, etc.)
Including the above will help whomever is on the receiving end of the message (even me) be able to help you quicker since some back-and-forth messages will be eliminated trying to get this information.
If you would like an email template, feel free to use the following as adapted from the video, "How to Email Your Teacher EXPLAINED." This video does a great job at breaking-down why a thorough email to an instructor is best for students to meet their needs and goals.
Hello, Professor Leinen,
This is ___(your full name)___ from your ___(full course name)___ class, section number __(course section number)__.
I have questions about __(complete gradebook assignment name)__. __(detailed, specific, not vague request)__.
I have read and understood that you will get back to me within a day on weekdays and within two days on weekends. Thank-you for taking the time to answer me and for all your hard work.
Sincerely,
___(your full name)___
For more help with writing emails, including specific reasons and examples, check-out the following links. These tips not only work with contacting an instructor, but anyone on campus you are trying to get help from.
Reasons for Emailing
Email Structure
Example Email
"How to Type an Email to Your Professor"
10 Tips to Consider While Typing an Email to Your Professor
Example of a Professional Email to Your Professor
Contacting Me, Professor Leinen
Contacting Me, Professor Leinen
Below are some of the different ways to contact me for questions, needs, or just to chat. Expand each option below to learn more, including a description, links, availability, and turn-around time.
Canvas Inbox
Canvas Inbox
Canvas has its own email system called an "Inbox." Here, you can send me messages and files to get clarity on assignments, review instructions, or anything else you need help with in the course.
Using the Inbox versus standard email is nice since the messages get sorted by the course we are in.
Availability & Turn-Around Time:
Monday-Thursday: Up-to 24-hours to respond
Friday-Sunday & holidays: Up-to 48-hours to respond
Needed Technology:
Access to the Canvas Inbox
If you need any tech assistance, please visit the "Technology Requirements, Access, & Assistance" tab in this site.
Email
Email
Like with Canvas Inbox messages, you can use email to send me messages and files to get clarity on assignments, review instructions, or anything else you need help with in the course.
My email is leinen_sarah@smc.edu.
Availability & Turn-Around Time:
Monday-Thursday: Up-to 24-hours to respond
Friday-Sunday & holidays: Up-to 48-hours to respond
Needed Technology:
Access to an email account
If you need any tech assistance, please visit the "Technology Requirements, Access, & Assistance" tab in this site.
Student Hours
Student Hours
Student Hours are set times when you can drop-in to ask questions and get answers/help immediately or just chat. You may have heard of these being called "office hours," but we are using the term "student hours" as a way to emphasize that this is time set aside explicitly for you.
Availability & Turn-Around Time:
There will 2 different, 1-hour Student Hours provided each week and will differ each week to try to accommodate as many of your availabilities as possible in our class.
Times of Student Hours will be announced each week in our Canvas Calendar.
You will be put into a waiting room, and you will be admitted into the Zoom Room in the order you have entered the waiting room.
Joining a Student Hour:
These will be held weekly in our Zoom Room (http://tinyurl.com/LeinenZoom).
Needed Technology:
Access to Zoom
Be sure your Zoom is connected to your speakers/headphones, so you can hear me speak
The ability to use at least one of these communication features in Zoom: microphone or chat (microphone preferred)
Camera on is preferred, but not a requirement
If you need any tech assistance, please visit the "Technology Requirements, Access, & Assistance" tab in this site.
Drop-In Chats
Drop-In Chats
When I am on my computer working, which will be often, I will be available for drop-in questions or general chats through Zoom.
Steps for a Drop-In Chat:
Just click-on our Zoom Room link (http://tinyurl.com/LeinenZoom), and you will be automatically put in the waiting room.
Entering our Zoom Room will automatically send me an email you are in there. There is nothing you need to send me to let me know you are there; Zoom will notify me for you.
If I am at my desk and available, I will join you in the Zoom Room within a minute. Think of this like you are knocking on my office door to see if I'm there and available.
If I don't join you within a minute, it means I am unavailable. I suggest either trying again later or trying one of the other contact options listed on this page. I am here to help.
Availability & Turn-Around Time:
There are no set hours, but I am often at my desk during "typical" working hours of 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
If I am unavailable, it is because I am in a meeting or away from my desk. I suggest either trying again later or trying one of the other contact options listed on this page. I am here to help.
Needed Technology:
Access to Zoom
Be sure your Zoom is connected to your speakers/headphones, so you can hear me speak
The ability to use at least one of these communication features in Zoom: microphone or chat (microphone preferred)
Camera on is preferred, but not a requirement
If you need any tech assistance, please visit the "Technology Requirements, Access, & Assistance" tab in this site.
Scheduling a One-on-One Chat
Scheduling a One-on-One Chat
Sometimes you might want to just have a live conversation versus waiting for a response to an email. If the Student Hours don't work for you, or you don't want to try your luck with a Drop-In Chat, you may schedule a one-on-one Zoom session.
To schedule a one-on-one session, fill-out this quick form with what you want to chat about and your preferred meeting time.
Availability & Turn-Around Time:
I am available Monday through Friday. The form integrates with my calendar's availability. Therefore, you will be able to pick a meeting time that works for both of us as well as receive the meeting's Zoom link right away.
I am unavailable to meet one-on-one on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (federal, state, and major Jewish holidays).
You will need to schedule a meeting at least 12-hours in advance of when you want to meet.
Needed Technology:
Access to the above form
Access to Zoom
Be sure your Zoom is connected to your speakers/headphones, so you can hear me speak
The ability to use at least one of these communication features in Zoom: microphone or chat (microphone preferred)
Camera on is preferred, but not a requirement
If you need any tech assistance, please visit the "Technology Requirements, Access, & Assistance" tab in this site.
Section Completed -- Onto the Next One
Section Completed -- Onto the Next One
Congrats! You have finished this section. Take a break and move onto the next section.
Visit the menu bar to find and click-on the next section. The menu bar is located on the left of this page (or the top-left by clicking the three lines if viewing on a mobile devices).
Page updated
Report abuse