Tips for Building Relationships with Faculty

Categories: Faculty and Staff Academic Success

August 21st, 2025

By Frank Sorokach

Note: This post is courtesy of Frank Sorokach, assistant teaching professor in business and economics at Penn State, who has also written posts on this and other topics for the Penn State World Campus Business Club blog.

It is common for students to need a reference at some point, including when they are applying for a job or to grad school. However, it’s important to build a relationship with faculty before you need a letter of recommendation. In fact, this is true in any situation. As an example, you wouldn’t ask a boss for a reference letter if you never had personal communication with them. With that in mind, you should make an effort to build relationships with your faculty — this can be more challenging in an online program.

Here are a few tips on how to develop relationships with faculty members. Doing these things can make it easier to reach out when you need a letter of recommendation.

Be Proactive in Communication

Reach out to your professors early in the course with an introduction email. Express your enthusiasm for the subject and ask any preliminary questions you might have about the course.

Utilize Office Hours and Other Live Sessions

Some professors offer virtual office hours or other opportunities to meet. Take advantage of these sessions to ask questions, discuss assignments, and seek advice on academic and career goals.

Engage Actively in Discussion Forums

Participate regularly in discussion boards, where your engagement can help you stand out to professors. Professors generally pay close attention to students who make insightful posts. Contribute meaningfully to the conversations in weekly discussions.

Be Respectful and Professional in Emails

When emailing your professors, be clear and concise, using a respectful tone. Include a proper greeting, your full name, and course details to make it easier for them to respond.

Be Visible in Group Work

When working on group projects, take on a leadership role or contribute actively. Professors often notice students who excel in collaborative work.

Seek Guidance on Research or Career Interests

If you have specific research interests or career goals, share them with your professor. They can offer guidance, resources, or even potential opportunities.

Show Appreciation for Their Efforts

A simple thank-you email after a helpful session or guidance can go a long way in building rapport with your professor.

Connect on Professional Networks

Once you’ve established a good rapport, consider connecting with your professors on professional platforms like LinkedIn. This can help maintain your relationship beyond the course.

Developing strong relationships with your professors can be very easy. It simply means being proactive and professional. This will go a long way to making requests for letters of recommendation easier when the need arises.