How to email a professor

This isn’t strictly writing pedantry, but I think it’s good advice. Orange Crate Art advises the following ‘rules’ for writing to professors via email:

• Write from your college or university e-mail account.


• Include the course number in your subject line.


• Think about what you’re saying:
  
  
  • Choose an appropriate greeting.
  
  
  • Avoid rote apologies for missing class.
  
  
  • Avoid Make direct requests.
  
  
  • Proofread what you’ve written.
  
  
  • Sign with your full name, course number, and meeting time.
  
  
• Don’t send unexpected attachments.


• When you get a reply, say thanks.

For me, the attachments one isn’t so key–I ask students to send me a lot of stuff by email, so that’s okay. I also don’t mind direct requests, but phrasing them politely is nice.

Found via Lifehacker