WHAT’S WRONG WITH THESE EMAILS FROM STUDENTS? English 394: Business Writing Real (but redacted) emails from my students, along with my responses. 

Professor, I informed my boss of the dates we would have class in the beginning of the semester and since my conference is not today I told him I would not have to leave early. Unfor- tunately, that means that I will not be on campus tonight. I have attached my blurb for my presentation to this email. Thank you, Larry English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #1 jonathanrick.com 

I don’t accept homework via email; you must submit homework via ELMS. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #1 

Hi Professor Rik, I was wondering if it’s possible to push our conference tonight back a little from 6:58? I have a midterm exam from 6-8. Thanks, Jeff English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #2 jonathanrick.com 

1. My last name is “Rick,” not “Rik.” 2. If there’s an open slot, you’re welcome to take it. Otherwise, you’ll need to coordinate with another student to switch appointments. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #2 

Hello I am heading to Seattle for work very early tomorrow morning. It is likely that I will be absent tonight, and wanted to send this note as a heads up. I thought I would be able to make it, but my last-minute errands have become more last-minute than I bargained for. May I turn in the “headlines” assignment next Monday? If not, I understand. Thanks, English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #3 jonathanrick.com 

That’s fine. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #3 

Good morning, What is my current grade in terms of assignments graded so far? English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #4 jonathanrick.com 

First, pass/fail (P/F) assignments make up 15% of your final grade. But I don’t know how many of these we’ll do until the end of the semester. Indeed, two of them are due on the last day of class. And depending on the final number, the weight of each one will vary. For instance, if we end up with 11 total, each counts for about 9%. If we do seven, each counts for about 14%. So, providing a mid-course grade when (a) the total number of P/F assignments isn’t yet set, and (b) we’ve completed only X so far, would present a misleading picture. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #4 

Second, and similarly, participation (which is worth 10% of your final grade) can’t fairly be calculated until the semester ends. What counts as “participation”? As the syllabus explains, it “includes attendance, revisions, and writing-center visits.” All this said, there’s a middle ground that’s readily available: You can use the tables on the syllabus to estimate your grade based on the work you’ve completed. Many students find that this route gives them a sense of their progress. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #4 

Dear Professor, My final grade looks like it’s going to be a B-. Anything I can do to bump it up? Thank you, Susie English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #5 jonathanrick.com 

1. How many assignments did you revise? 2. How many times did you visit the writing, career, or oral-communications centers? 3. How many extra-credit assignments did you submit? 4. How many emails did you reply to? 5. How often did you attend class? 6. How often did you participate in class? 7. Did you miss your conference? English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #5 

Professor Rick, I had an upsetting medical procedure on Friday and I have not been myself since. Would it be possible for me to turn in my “branding portfolio” next week instead of this week? Richard English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #6 jonathanrick.com 

Sure thing. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #6 

Good morning Professor Rick, I have an intramural basketball game on Monday at the same time as your class. Would it be ok if I missed your class? Thank you, Demetrius English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #7 jonathanrick.com 

Would it be “ok”? No, you’ll miss important material. Also, it’s insulting to tell a professor that you’re prioritizing something else over his course. Are you “allowed” to miss class? Yes, you’re an adult; it’s your choice how you spend your time. Unless the reason for your absence is well- established (for example, an illness, an unexpected emergency, or a religious observation), then I recommend you tread carefully when explaining. Sometimes, it’s best to just ask to be excused. 👉 https://bit.ly/treadcarefully English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #7 

My grade on the SWOT analysis seems low. Can we chat? English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #8 jonathanrick.com 

Sure! I’m happy to hear why you think your paper deserves a higher grade. Please see me during office hours — and please review my comments on your paper beforehand. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #8 

Dear Professor Rick, You wrote “see me” on my Myths & Maxims homework, but I forgot to do so. When can we meet? Jay English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #9 jonathanrick.com 

If I write “See me” on your paper, it’s my hope that you’ll see me during office hours. I hold office hours immediately after class, since I’m on campus only once a week. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #9 

Hi Professor Rick, When is the “e-portfolio” due? Thank you. Rachel English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #10 jonathanrick.com 

English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #10 Did you try to answer this question yourself? For example: 1. Did you check the syllabus? 2. Did you check the “homework assignments” folder on ELMS? 

Hi Professor Rick, I checked the syllabus, but I couldn’t find the answer. When is the “e-portfolio” due? Thank you. Rachel English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #10 jonathanrick.com 

Good afternoon, Welcome to Business Writing, or English 394 (1701)! I’m delighted that you’ve signed-up for my course, and I want to do everything I can to set you up for success. [Redacted] If you have any questions or concerns — or if you’d like to introduce yourself — please don’t hesitate to reply. English 394: Business Writing EMAIL #11 

Dear Professor Rick, I hope your summer is going well! I am in your English 394 (1701): Business Writing course that meets on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 9:10. I have read the required documents in ELMS — especially the syllabus and the link on how to email your professor. I wanted to reach out and inform you that I’ll be unable to attend our first class. My hours at work are in flux due to a contract renewal. I have confirmed with my supervisor that I will have Tuesdays off for the remainder of the semester. I read your policy on absences and couldn’t agree more about the importance of discussion complementing independent study. I know I am missing the equivalent of three classes. Accordingly, I have done the following: • Read the “core documents.” • Purchased the required book. • Reviewed the slide decks: • 11 Myths, 11 Maxims • Questions • Blank Lines • Previewed the syllabus-feedback assignment. Please advise on anything more I should do. Also, I would like to say thank you for having an extensive yet clear syllabus. It’s a refreshing departure from my CS classes. All the best, [Redacted] 

Are you getting the grade you deserve? English 394: Business Writing EXIT TICKET 

I’m grading the grade I deserve, but I thing your grading is too tough. English 394: Business Writing EXIT TICKET jonathanrick.com 

What do you think about that? English 394: Business Writing QUESTION 

About what? English 394: Business Writing ANSWER #1 jonathanrick.com 

I’m sorry; I wasn’t paying attention. Would you mind repeating the question? English 394: Business Writing ANSWER #2 jonathanrick.com 

Point #1: If you communicate, I can be flexible. For example, if you email me a day before an assignment is due and ask for an extension, I can offer you options. But if you email me an hour before — or, worse, afterward — then, out of fairness to your peers, my options are limited. English 394: Business Writing TL;DR 

Point #2: If you ask for a favor, make it easy for me to grant it. For example, if you tell me that you’d benefit from more time, I’ll be unable to accommodate your request. But if you point to something specific, then I’m happy to help. For example: 1. I experienced an unforeseen emergency. 2. I have multiple tests, or papers, due this week. I don’t need a lot of details; I just need enough info to justify making an exception for you. English 394: Business Writing TL;DR