Should you call your lecturer? Tips for students on communicating effectively with the university

📞 Should you call your lecturer? Advice for students on communicating with the university

Dear students, many of you will recognise the situation our fictional student describes here: you’ve tried several times to get in touch with your lecturer to clarify something about your bachelor’s thesis, but without success. In the past the lecturer replied quickly, but this time there’s no response. What should you do? 📚

Understand the situation 📅

First, it’s important to understand the lecturer’s situation. University lecturers often juggle lots of tasks: they teach, supervise students, do research and sit on internal committees. The workload is especially high during exam periods or at the start of the semester. As discussed in an article on ResearchGate, that pressure can mean emails fall by the wayside.

Should you consider calling? 📲

If a week has passed and you haven’t had a reply despite repeated emails, a call might be justified. A phone call is more direct than an email and may bring clarity straight away. According to a study on academic communication found via Google Scholar, a phone call is often seen as a more efficient way to resolve urgent matters.

When and how should you call? 🕒

Choosing the right moment is crucial. Avoid calling outside office hours or during teaching hours. Most lecturers have set office hours. Given your previous experience, you could call in the first hour of their office hours, when they’re most likely to be available.

Prepare for the conversation. Write down the main points you want to raise and keep any documents you might need at hand. Be polite and professional, and make sure you explain the context of your call clearly.

Talk directly with the team 🤝

If your lecturer still can’t be reached, it can help to speak directly to a member of their team. Sometimes another colleague of your lecturer can tell you about the status of your project more quickly. In the university system, teams are often closely connected and information travels fast.

Raise your concerns diplomatically and explain your situation. Show understanding for the team’s current workload and ask politely whether someone else can answer your questions.

Use other communication channels 📧

There are other ways to communicate, too. Many universities use internal platforms like Moodle or Blackboard, where you can also send messages. These platforms can be another way to stay in touch.

Social media is another channel you might occasionally consider. Platforms like LinkedIn also let you connect and reach out, if that’s professionally appropriate.

Weigh up the risk 🤔

It’s understandable that you’re worried. Your bachelor’s thesis is an important milestone in your studies, and delays can be frustrating. But keep in mind that lecturers usually want to take their students’ concerns seriously, especially when fixed deadlines are involved. Waiting another week before calling could also show that you have the patience and independence the academic world often expects.

Conclusion: making the decision ✔️

In situations like this, it’s important to weigh things up carefully. A call can bring clarity, give you certainty about the next steps and let you adjust your schedule for your bachelor’s thesis. If you act politely and come prepared, your call will be seen as a professional move.

Whatever you decide, remember that you’re not alone. Universities often offer student advisory services, and fellow students and those further along in their studies can also be important people to turn to when deciding on and carrying out your next steps.

Good luck with your bachelor’s thesis and with communicating with your lecturer! Your patience and professional handling of the situation will pay off. 🎓✨