How to build strong relationships with your lecturers

Whether you’re an online or on campus student, having good relationships with your lecturers and teachers is one of the best ways to get the most of your university experience. Here are some of our top tips.

Get to know your unit coordinator

Your unit coordinator isn’t necessarily your lecturer (though it may be sometimes), but they are an important part of nailing your courses each semester. The unit coordinator is there to facilitate your successful journey throughout the subject, so make sure you know who they are and how to contact them. Your lecturer should tell you who the unit coordinator is in your first week of classes. If they don’t – just ask... which leads us to our next point.

There is no such thing as too many questions

If you’re unclear about an assessment task or concerned that you haven’t grasped a new concept – ask your lecturer. A lecturer would always rather connect with you and ensure you’re on track to do well in the course, than see you stay quiet and fail!

Speak up!

Lecturers appreciate students who have learned the required material, are engaged and interested in weekly conversations, and able to add academic flavour and interest to the class!

Lecturers appreciate students who add academic flavour and interest to the class

This means you should aim to be totally prepared before class. Do your reading, complete weekly assigned tasks, pull out any specific questions or insights, and come to class ready to impress. 

If you’re really looking to excel, you might also ask your lecturer for recommendations on extra reading or resources, which can be another good way to build rapport.

Figure out how to best contact your lecturer

If you’re an on campus student, then you’ve got the option to hang around after class and seek clarification. If you need assistance outside of class hours, you can book an appointment to see your lecturer. Lecturers should let you know at the beginning of semester when they’re free to see students.

Remember to always use your CDU email address

• If you’re an online student, you’ll primarily be contacting your lecturer with questions or concerns via email or phone. It’s important during these conversations to be pleasant and professional.
• Remember to always use your CDU email address; it is not a good look or professional practice to be sending emails from your hotbod75@email.com account!
• Always include your full name, student number and unit details in any phone messages or emails. Lecturers often teach more than one unit per semester and work with many students, so it's easier respond to your enquiry if this information is included.
• Find out how your lecturer likes to be addressed. Most CDU lecturers are happy to be addressed with their first name and they should let you know their preference in your first few classes. If they haven’t, then just ask (see Tip 2!)
• Lastly, try to remember that life can be busy for lecturers too, so they might not always get back to you immediately; allow 24-48 hours for a reply to correspondence.