Hi! It’s me, your local college professor and academic mentor. I figured it might be helpful to know from a professor herself, how you can get on your professor’s good side. The connections you make now with your professors can help you greatly in the future, so it’s important to build meaningful relationships with them. The professors I befriended in my undergraduate education are now my colleagues, so I think I can say with confidence that I know a thing or two about how to create and maintain good rapport with your professors.

Not only can building a positive relationship with your professor lead to a more supportive and enriching learning environment, but it can also open doors to opportunities later on like research collaborations, mentorship, and recommendation letters (you will definitely need these!). I’m going to share my most effective strategies for getting on your professors’ good side and creating a positive academic connection.

1. Attend Classes Regularly

I know that life happens. We get sick, stressed, or we just need a mental health day. And that’s okay! You should definitely take care of yourself when you need to. However, do try your best to attend class regularly. Trust me, your professors notice when you’re gone, even if they don’t take attendance. Even in a class of fifty, your absence is obvious. Frequent absences, and lack of communication about your absence is a big red flag for professors. Try your best to prioritize attendance. It matters more than you know. Regular class attendance demonstrates your commitment to the subject matter and your respect for the professor’s time and effort. It also gives you the chance to actively participate in discussions and ask questions, showing that you’re genuinely interested in the material. I’ve heard students complain about penalization for missing class (and yes, it does happen often at Chapman). While I personally don’t penalize for missed class, many professors do. If anything, lack of attendance impacts participation. Even just showing up means more than you think.

2. Be Engaged and Participate

Engage in class discussions, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute relevant insights. Your active participation demonstrates your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to contribute positively to the academic community. I want to emphasize that asking questions is important. It doesn’t matter if you think your question isn’t useful because odds are, someone else in the class has the same question. Don’t be afraid to ask about something you are curious or unsure about.

3. Prepare and Contribute

Come to class well-prepared by completing assignments and readings beforehand. I always tell students to start an assignment the day you get it. I know this may sound very type A of me, but it can do wonders for your grades. If you start (or even finish) the day you get an assignment, you also save yourself from mental anguish the day before it’s due. Some professors (like me) don’t employ super strict due dates. However, letting yourself get behind will only hurt you later on. Try your best to stay on top of things and take the time to properly catch up when you feel yourself falling behind.

4. Show Respect and Professionalism (And stay off unnecessary technology)

Address your professors with proper titles and respectful language. If you don’t know how to address them, check the syllabus or ask. Some professors (myself included) don’t mind being called by our first names. I would definitely recommend NOT referring to your professor as Mr. or Mrs. This isn’t high school! If you want to play it safe, just call them professor. On the topic of respect, let’s talk tech. We can see when you’re scrolling, and no, we don’t like it. It’s not only unprofessional, but also rude. Please try to stay off your phone and resist the urge to online shop during class. If you need to answer a text, step out and take a moment to do so. I know we live in the age of technology, but staying off your phone and laptop (unless instructed to use them) will keep you on your professor’s good side. Students who noticeably spend class time on technology tend to do worse in my classes.

5. Communicate Effectively

Clear and respectful communication is key to any relationship. If you have concerns, seek clarification, or need extra support, express yourself politely and professionally. Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit when you’re struggling. If you are going through something and need to have extended absences, communicate with your professors. We are here to support you. If you don’t communicate, we can’t do that. Professors always appreciate students who are proactive and open about their academic needs.

6. Take Initiative

Demonstrate your interest in the subject by seeking out additional resources, reading related materials, or engaging in relevant extracurricular activities. I personally love when a student brings in material that is relevant to the class. What connections are you making outside of the classroom? Share your findings with your professor to showcase your dedication.

7. Engage in Thoughtful Discussions

After class or during office hours, engage your professors in meaningful conversations about the course material or related topics. Don’t hesitate to talk about what interests you personally. This demonstrates your genuine curiosity and willingness to explore the subject beyond the classroom.

8. Respect Diverse Opinions

In academic discussions, be open to diverse perspectives, even if they differ from your own. Be thoughtful about your own viewpoints and approach discussions with an open mind. Engaging in respectful debates and acknowledging the validity of differing viewpoints demonstrates maturity and intellectual growth. If you think that your viewpoint might be offensive to others, think hard about whether or not it’s important to share.

9. Express Gratitude

I can’t say how much it means to me when a student tells me that my class had an impact on them. Take the time to thank your professors for their guidance, feedback, and support. It really does mean a lot. A simple expression of gratitude can go a long way in building a meaningful connection.

Creating a positive relationship with your professor is about more than just getting on your professors’ good side. These relationships will enrich your educational journey and open doors to valuable opportunities.

Odds are you wont hit it off with every professor you have. And that’s okay! Focus on your positive connections rather than the not so great. You wont see eye to eye with every professor you have, and that’s just part of life. It’s important to remember that your professors are humans too, imperfect and flawed, with stresses, challenges, and personal lives to balance. Try your best to practice empathy and compassion towards them. The hope is that they will do the same for you.

Remember, professors are not just instructors; they can become mentors, guides, and collaborators who contribute significantly to your academic and professional growth. Be open, honest, and communicate. You’ve got this!