Learning Resources Talk to Your Instructor or TA

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Getting a degree is never simply the effort of an individual; it takes many people working together for us to succeed in college. Sometimes, it can feel daunting to approach a professor or TA, but it's important to remember that they are there to help YOU! They want you to succeed! This page will give tips for approaching your professor or TA and getting their help.

Professors

Professors at BYU love their students and want to see them succeed. Remember that professors know a lot and have many life experiences from which you can benefit. Strive to do simple things to develop a relationship with your professors, and you may find that it blesses you for years to come!

Go to office hours

If your professor has office hours, go during that time. If you need a different office hours schedule, contact your professor before or after class to find another time to meet. Professors are usually willing to be flexible and help you.

Be direct

If you need an extension for an assignment or need help understanding the material, tell your professor! Ask what resources are available to help you succeed in their class. Simply asking for help is an excellent way to let a professor know you are invested in the class.

Be mentored

Professors can be great mentors during college and after. Look for opportunities to get to know your professors more personally. You could go to their office hours to ask for advice about more personal things outside their class's scope.

Help with research

Most professors are involved in some research. If you would like to get to know your professors better and what they are studying, ask if they need help with research or if you could work as a TA.

Study abroad

Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to spend time with professors in less formal settings. Many professors lead study abroad programs related to their field of interest.

Be present in class

Sit at the front of the class and talk to your professor afterward. If you don't have another class right after, ask if you can walk them to their office and chat.

Asking For Help

Asking for help can be challenging! Here at BYU Online, we want to make ourselves available for students to reach out and get help. Still, asking for help can be tough and daunting. Below are two great template emails to consider sending to your professor when necessary. Just know that however you ask, we are more than willing and happy to help you succeed.

Email to a Professor Template 1
Email to a Professor Template 2

Teaching Assistants And Tutors

TAs and tutors can help you succeed in your academic goals. TAs often have office hours that you can go to for help reviewing material or answering other questions that you may have. Use the following tips to connect with your TA: ta teach students

Your professor should introduce you to the TA for the class at the beginning of the semester.
If they don't, check for an "Instructor & TA Information" page in your course and/or the syllabus.
If you still need help finding information, contact your professor directly.
You can contact your TA with questions about the course or material and set up a meeting with them if needed.

Not every BYU class has a TA, so you may have to contact your professor for help.

TAs can help with a lot of things! Here are just a few:

Get homework help
Get feedback on a paper or assignment before you turn it in
Help explain a concept in class that you didn't understand
Help you develop a plan to get the grade you want in the class

Page Attributions

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University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. (2022, September 14). Mentoring and Entrepreneur Success. [Image]. Retrieved from https://incubator.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/download-2.png
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Brigham Young University. (n.d.). Program Requirements. [Image]. Retrieved from https://mfgen.byu.edu/program-requirements

Additional Resources