Narrow your inquiry to a specific problem or issue and click on the phrase closest to your concern.

Appointment

"How do I get in touch with you outside of class?"
"What are your office hours?"
"How do I get in contact with you?"
"I tried to see you in your office...but you're never in." OR "I need to see you  about... ."
"I need to see you about my grades (or assignments)."

Attendance

"I missed a class because of a valid, personal, job-related, health, or 'stupid' reason. How do I make it up? Get excused?"
"I missed a test (or other graded event) in class. How do I make it up?"
"I have to leave the class early." "I have to go to the bathroom." "I have to go blow my nose." "I need a drink of water."
"I am going to be a little late to class." "I don't have enough time to get to class." "Traffic problems made me late."
"I registered for your course late because ...., why am I being penalized for Attendance?"

Books

"I didn't buy your required textbook because .... ."

Cases

"I (we) put a lot of work into this case analysis, why did you grade it so low?"
"I can't find the 'Grade Sheet' attachment to the case paper."
"What do you want? I read the case and don't see anything to analyze."
"Can we turn our case in late? We had problems with printer or... ."
"Will you look over my analysis before I turn it in?"

Changing Grade

"I think you made an error in grading my paper (test, or other assignment)."
"Can you change my grade once reported to the Registrar?"
"I need a higher grade to keep my scholarship (or any reason)."

Cheating

"You accused me of cheating...but I didn't do it."
'What do you mean by cheating?"
"I got caught...now what?"

Complaints

"I have a complaint about your class (or anything related to what the professor does)." "There's something I've got to say to you... ."
"I pay your salary, and I expect..... ."
"I have a complaint about one of my group members."
"You said something in class that really made me angry with you."

Dress

"What is appropriate attire for classes." Or, "Why can't I wear my ... ?"

Disruptive Behavior

"I was only talking with my friends." "I just needed to change seats...a lot."
"I paid for this class...you work for me...and ,you can't throw me out."

E-Mail

"My email didn't get to you."
"Can I e-mail an assignment to you?"

Expelled from Class

"Why did you kick me out of class?" "Can I come back?"

Grades

"I only need a few points to make a grade, is there anything I can do for 'extra-credit'?"
"I didn't see a grade for my assignment (or test) posted at your website."
"I expect to make an 'A' (or other grade) in this course."
"When I calculate my course grade, I don't get the same grade you get."
"I don't think you graded my paper (test, assignment) properly."
"I worked really hard on this assignment (test, course, etc.), and I really think I deserve a higher grade."
"I'm failing your course, is there anything I can do to improve my grade?"
"I'm really over-loaded this semester. Is there anything you can do to 'ease up', give me extra time or give 'extra-credit'?"

Groups

"I don't like my group." "We have this student in our group who doesn't act right."
"My group didn't turn the assignment in on time (or do whatever they were supposed to do)."

Hats/Caps/ Du-Rags

"I paid $... for this hair style... I have to protect my investment." "I forgot to comb/brush... I need this hat." "I love my cap." "Got to look 'good' for ... ."
"My religion requires that I cover my head."

Help!

"I need help with your course." "I just don't understand this material." "I'm lost!"
"I didn't see anything at your FAQ that covers my problem."

Late Assignments

"Can I turn the assignment in late?"
"I'm really over-loaded this semester. Is there anything you can do to 'ease up', give me extra time or give 'extra-credit'?"

Leaving Classroom

"I have to leave the class early." "I have to go to the bathroom." "I have to go blow my nose." "I need a drink of water."

Missed Assignments

"I missed an assignment date. Can I still turn it in?"
"I turned in the assignment, but I didn't get a grade."
"I'm really over-loaded this semester. Is there anything you can do to 'ease up', give me extra time or give 'extra-credit'?"

Participation Grade

"I was in class on (date), you recorded me as absent (or late)."
"My class contributions were much stronger than ....'s, why is my participation grade lower?"
"As an adult I really don't appreciate your holding me to your attendance policy."

Professor Late (or Did not show) to Class

"You failed to show up... so I left."
"You didn't show for the make-up test (or appointment)."

Recommendation Letters

"I need a recommendation letter (or evaluation) for grad school (organizational membership, etc.)"
"Can you help me get a job or internship?"

Religion

"My religion requires that I ...., contrary to your usual policies."

Sickness

"I had to leave your class (or could not attend class) because I was sick."

Special Needs

"I have a condition that requires special consideration (attention or accommodation in classes)."
"I'm really over-loaded this semester. Is there anything you can do to 'ease up', give me extra time or give 'extra-credit'?"

Teaching Philosophy

"Why don't you just lecture?" "I didn't understand ... in the reading, why didn't you explain it?"

Tests

"I must be someplace else and will miss your test, can I make it up?"
"I missed the test because ....., can I make it up?"
"You don't provide a review, so how can I prepare for your test?"
"I'm really over-loaded this semester. Is there anything you can do to 'ease up', give me extra time or give 'extra-credit'?"

Website

"Any information about your website?"
"How can I development my own website?"