First-Generation Student Success

One of the biggest differences between high school and college is your relationship with instructors, who are also known as faculty or professors. Professors want to support your success, but they may also expect you to take the initiative to ask questions, seek help, and communicate when challenges arise.

Learning how to communicate professionally with professors is an important college skill that gets easier with practice.

Remember, successful college students will:

• Ask questions early
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Use Brightspace and syllabi to find answers
• Seek help when they need it
• Take advantage of office hours and campus resources
• Talking with professors is a skill — and like any skill, it improves with practice.

Titles and forms of address vary by professor, so when you’re unsure, start formal and adjust based on their preference.

Where to Look First

• Course syllabus (often includes preferred title such as Dr. or Professor)
• Brightspace announcements or course page
• Emails or messages they’ve already sent (check how they sign their name)

Common Ways Professors May Be Addressed

• Professor [Last Name]
• Dr. [Last Name]

When You’re Not Sure

Start with: “Hello Professor [Last Name].” This is always a safe and respectful option. If they say, “Please call me [First Name],” then follow their lead. If not, continue using their title.

Tip: It is always easier to move from formal → informal than the other way around.

Email is one of the main ways you’ll communicate with professors in college. Clear communication helps them understand your needs and respond more efficiently.

Always Include a Subject Line

Your subject line should briefly describe the purpose of your email.

• Good examples:
  • Question About CHE111 Lab Assignment
  • Absence in BIO104 on October 5
  • Request for Office Hours Meeting
• Avoid:
  • Hi
  • Help!!!
  • Question
  • Writing your entire message in the subject line

Example of what NOT to do: “I missed class and want to know everything I missed and if I can make up the quiz.”

Start with a Greeting

• Hello Professor Smith,
• Good morning Professor Smith,
• Dear Professor Smith,

Your Email Should Include:

• Your name
• Course name or section
• A clear explanation of your question or situation
• Any relevant details (assignment name, date, etc.)
• A thank you

Example Email

Subject: Question About CHE111 Lab Assignment

Hello Professor Smith,

I hope you’re doing well. I have a question about the lab report due next week in CHE111. I’m unsure about the formatting requirements and wanted to clarify whether we should include a separate discussion section.

Thank you for your time and help.

Best,
Jordan Williams

Professors have different communication styles and schedules.

Keep in mind:

• Most professors are not available 24/7
• Many outline response expectations in their syllabus
• Some prefer email; others may use Brightspace messages or announcements
• General Guideline: Allow about 24 business hours for a response.

Plan ahead whenever possible, especially around deadlines.

College includes many “unwritten rules.” If something is unclear, your first step is to look for information before assuming.

Check:

• Syllabus
• Brightspace course page
• Assignment instructions
• Announcements
• If you still don’t know, ask

A helpful mindset is: “When you don’t know, you need to find out.”

Asking questions is a sign of engagement and self-advocacy — not a lack of preparedness.

Office hours are times when professors are available specifically to support students.

You can go to office hours to:

• Ask questions about course material
• Get help with assignments
• Review concepts before exams
• Talk about academic goals

You do NOT need to be struggling to attend office hours.

Even if you’re running late, feeling tired, or don’t feel fully prepared, showing up still matters. In most cases, arriving late is far better than not attending class at all. By being there, you’ll still hear important course content, stay connected with your classmates and instructor, and reduce the amount of material you’ll need to catch up on
later.

That said, every course is different. Review your syllabus to understand your instructor’s attendance and late-arrival policies. Some professors have specific expectations about arriving late, notifying them in advance, or participating if you miss part of a class.
Knowing these expectations ahead of time helps you make informed decisions and communicate appropriately when needed.

Of course, life happens, and there will be times when missing class is unavoidable. The goal isn’t perfect attendance — it’s making attendance your default. Successful students show up whenever they can and take a proactive approach when they can’t by communicating with their instructor and making a plan to catch up.

Life happens, and sometimes you truly need to miss class. But strong students don’t default to missing. They default to attending when they are able and being proactive when they are not.

Bottom line: Go to class whenever you can — even if you’re late.

Missing class should be the exception, not the plan. Staying present, even imperfectly, keeps you connected and on track.

Every course is different. Your syllabus (or Syllabus Checklist) explains:

• Attendance and lateness expectations
• How to handle missed work
• What your instructor prefers if you need to communicate absences

At the start of the semester:

• Identify at least one classmate in each course
• Know where and when office hours are held
• Think ahead about how you would handle a short absence
• Preparation reduces stress later

Arrive to class whenever you can — even if it’s 5 to 10 minutes late.

• Enter quietly and take your seat when you arrive
• You will still benefit from the material, even if you missed the start
• Check in with a classmate afterward if you missed instructions or announcements
• Follow up during office hours if you have questions

Important: Skipping class because you are late often creates more work and confusion than simply attending.

Be intentional, not passive:

• Let your instructor know with a brief, professional message
• Connect with a classmate to stay updated
• Plan to visit office hours when you return

Avoid asking, “Did I miss anything?” — you did. Focus instead on how you will catch up.

• Keep up with assignments when possible
• Check slides, notes, or learning materials
• Use office hours or virtual support options
• Even small efforts make returning to class easier

If illness or other challenges keep you out for more than a class or two, inform your instructor and reach out to your advisor or campus support services for guidance.

Colleges use a lot of terminology that can feel overwhelming at first. Learn these common words and phrases so you can feel confident navigating college systems and conversations.

Common terms include:

• Credits
• GPA
• Office hours
• Major and minor
• Academic standing

Explore the Glossary

Course Syllabus Guide

• Advising
• Learning Center
• STAR-NY Tutoring
• Feinberg Library

Using campus academic resources

Accessibility Resources Office

Financial aid can be confusing, especially if no one in your family has been through the process before. Learn how aid works, what common terms mean, and where to go for help.

Learn about:

• FAFSA completion assistance
• Grants and scholarships
• Loans
• Work study
• Maintaining eligibility
• Aid eligible coursework
• Cardinal Cupboard

Financial Services for Enrolled Students

Families play an important role in student success, even if college is new to everyone. Learn how to support your student while encouraging their independence and growth.

Learn about:

• FERPA
• Academic expectations
• Financial planning
• Campus resources

Family Resources

• Complete the Admissions Checklist
• Review Information for Accepted Students
• Complete your FAFSA
• New Student Orientation
• Choosing classes
• Title IX and Title VI Training Course in Brightspace

• Meeting your advisor
• Finding tutoring
• Joining campus organizations at the Plattsburgh main campus or at Queensbury

• Career preparation
• Internships
• Leadership opportunities

• Graduate school
• Careers
• Alumni connections