Getting to Know Faculty & Staff
Simple tips for students
Sometimes students are so focused on the intent of their conversation with a faculty or staff member that they forget to take a few minutes to get to know more about that person.

To learn more about the faculty and staff in their lives, students can do things like:

• Ask about something that's hanging on their office wall ("That mask is really interesting—where did you get it?")
• Notice their diploma and ask what they liked about attending XYZ University
  
• Comment on their lunch ("Oh, Diet Dr. Pepper is one of my favorites, too.")
  
• Ask how long they've been at the institution and where they're originally from
  
• Comment on something mentioned in class ("In class last week you mentioned your dog—what kind do you have?" or "The story you told last week about veterans often having trouble with driving once they return from war intrigued me and I looked up more about it.")
  
• Notice a book on their bookshelf
  
• Ask if they have a favorite kind of music or if they've seen any good movies lately
• Sometimes a few minutes of "get-to-know-you" talk can go a long way in helping your student develop a relationship with a professor or staff member on campus. And students need these people in their lives, as educators, challengers and advocates.