How Do I Talk To Professors When I Need Help?

A good way to get better at asking for help is to ASK EARLY AND ASK OFTEN. We are mainly focussed on asking for help at school in this article, but you can easily adapt some of these resources to other environments as well. 

We know; sometimes it's awkward or difficult to talk to professors, bosses or people who are in positions of power in our lives. In this article we’ll walk you through how to approach a professor or other helper about common concerns like requesting an extension on homework, clearing up a misunderstanding, or requesting an appointment (and what to do once you’re there!)

Remember: communicate often and clearly. You're developing collegial relationships that will serve you during your college career and beyond. Your professors want to help and want you to succeed. Below are some scripts to get you started. 

REQUESTING A HOMEWORK EXTENSION

Sometimes you may not be able to complete an assignment on time because of circumstances outside of your control. In these scenarios, it’s perfectly acceptable to request an extension from your professor. This approach may not guarantee you an extension, but you won’t get one if you don’t ask. Advocate for yourself.

Extenuating circumstances include:

  • Unforeseen family circumstances that require you to take on more responsibilities, or be at home and attend the situation until it's resolved (include your most likely return date);

  • Unexpected family emergencies. If you want to share specifics, you can, such as the death of a close family member, illness, etc. NOTE: You do not have to share private or personal information with your professors; 

  • Religious holidays or spiritual rituals or events. It’s always a good idea to specifically name the holiday or spiritual event, if you are comfortable doing so

    • NOTE: Did you know that you cannot be penalized for missing work due to a religious holiday? Instructors (and employers) must accommodate you, within reason. It's your responsibility to anticipate religious holidays and plan ahead of time with your instructors; 

  • Natural disasters, accidents, or other events that impact you, your family or your local community.

Sample Request For A Homework Extension

Dear Professor [NAME] (Unless your instructor has specifically invited you to call them by another name, use their highest form of address. If they have a Ph.D., then use Dr. before their last name, otherwise Professor and their last name is usually a safe way to address them.)

I'm writing to request an extension on [PROJECT OR ASSIGNMENT] which is due on [DATE]. I realize that you would be making an exception to your policy for me.

I need an extension until [DATE] because [REASON]. (You do not have to give more details than you are comfortable giving.)

I understand that you may not honor this request and that I will be unable to earn [GRADE OR POINT VALUE OF ASSIGNMENT]. I hope to compensate for these lost points with extra credit at a later date, if that is available.

If you do honor the request, please let me know you agree to the extension, and advise me how to proceed, if different from my idea. 

Thank you,

[NAME]

[SECTION OR CLASS NUMBER]

[CONTACT INFO]

CLEARING UP A MISUNDERSTANDING

Dear Professor [NAME] (Unless your instructor has specifically invited you to call them by another name, use their highest form of address. If they have a Ph.D., then use Dr. before their last name, otherwise Professor and their last name is usually a safe way to address them.)

In class today, I noticed [THE EVENT OR MISUNDERSTANDING]. I believe you thought I meant [THIS], but really, I was trying to [THAT].

I would like to come speak with you about this, but am more comfortable emailing you first. Would you let me know if you saw the situation in the same way? Or, if not, how you interpreted what happened? I'm worried about this situation, and would like your help.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

[NAME]

[SECTION OR CLASS NUMBER]

[CONTACT INFO]

PROBLEMS YOU ARE UNABLE CLEAR UP WITH A PROFESSOR

Discuss your situation with trusted family members. Try to stay open to creative ideas for how to look at the conflict in a new way. Go see the Ombudsperson (if your college or school has one), consult a mentor or a local community leader, or an academic counselor to help you figure out how to address your issue and what step to take next. 

Don’t wait to ask for help. 

REQUESTING AN OFFICE HOUR APPOINTMENT

Sample Request For An Office Hour

Dear Professor  [NAME] (Unless your instructor has specifically invited you to call them by another name, use their highest form of address. If they have a Ph.D., then use Dr. before their last name, otherwise Professor and their last name is usually a safe way to address them.)

I know that your office hours are scheduled for [TIME] this week and next week, however I have [CLASS/WORK/FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES/ETC.] that conflict at those times. 

Here are two specific times/dates I can speak by [PHONE/ZOOM/EMAIL

 1. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

2. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

And here are other times I can meet on campus and could meet with you in person: 

 1. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

2. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

-OR-

You asked us to request office hours via email, and of the options you offered, I am available:

 1. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

2. [TIME AND DATE] (be sure to include your professor’s time zone)

Would you please confirm if one of those times is open for me?

Thank you for your time and consideration,

[NAME]

[SECTION OR CLASS NUMBER]

[CONTACT INFO]

student successDyana Valentinecollege, after high school, asking for helpComment