How to Write an Email to Your Professor

Before you Write the Email

  1. Check your professor’s e-mail policy to see if they have indicated any specific times or formats for emailing them.
  2. Check the course syllabus and Quercus to see if the professor has already answered your question. 
  3. If you still want to email the professor, use your mail.utoronto.ca email.

Writing the Email

  1. Include your course code in the email Subject line. 
  2. Address your professor by name. Don’t know what to call them? Use “Professor [last name]. 
  3. Introduce yourself.
  4. Ask your question. Be brief.
  5. End your e-mail by signing off. Include your name as it appears on ACORN, your preferred name, and your student number.

Email Example

Subject: BIO100 Alternate Research Assignment 

Hi Professor Jackson, I’m in your BIO100 course. Would you be able to meet to discuss the alternate research assignment? I am available on Mondays and Thursdays after 3 PM. 

Thank you, 

Terry Lee 

Student Number 1234567890

Sending the Email

Proofread your email. Don’t panic if your professors don’t reply right away. Check their e-mail policy to gauge when they might reply. 

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