The rules
- Use your school email, not Gmail. Many outlines say they won't answer anything else.
- Subject line: course code, then what it's about. “ECON 1B03: missed tutorial Sept 24”. Some outlines specify a format; use it exactly.
- First line: who you are, section, student number if the outline asks.
- One question, clearly. If you need two things, two short emails is often faster than one long one.
- Check the outline first. If the answer is in it, the reply will be “see the outline” and you've spent a favour.
Template: missed a test or class
Subject: ECON 1B03: absence on Sept 24 (Section C03)
Hi Dr. Mang,
I'm in ECON 1B03, section C03 (student number 400123456). I was unable to attend the Sept 24 tutorial due to illness and have submitted an MSAF as the outline requires. Could you confirm how the missed activity mark is handled, or whether anything else is needed from me?
Thank you,
Connor Laskowski
Template: asking about a grade
Subject: IBH 1AA3: question about Assignment 2 feedback
Hi Dr. Mohammad,
I'm in IBH 1AA3, section C01. I've read the feedback on Assignment 2 and want to make sure I understand the deduction on question 4 so I don't repeat it. Would you have five minutes in office hours this week, or could you point me to what I missed?
Thanks,
Connor
Template: extension request
Subject: MATH 1ZA3: extension request, Problem Set 3
Hi Professor Smith,
I'm in MATH 1ZA3 (section C02). Because of [one honest sentence], I'd like to ask for a two-day extension on Problem Set 3, to Sunday Oct 5. I understand if the late policy in the outline applies instead. Thank you for considering it.
Best,
Connor
After you send
Give it two business days. Then follow up once, briefly, replying to the same thread. If the outline names a course coordinator for admin questions, that's your second stop, not the department office.