I was quaking in my flip-flops the first day of class as a freshman. I had heard rumors about Dr. Crystal Downing, an English professor known for being an energetic lecturer but a difficult grader. She had a brilliant mind, years of experience, and three intimidating letters after her name: Ph.D.

Over the next four years, I learned a lot from Dr. Downing. But one of my lessons had nothing to do with epic poetry or Charles Dickens. I learned that getting to know your professors is an important part of your college experience and can have lasting rewards.

Tip #1: Remember that profs are people.
They may be experts in their field, with the primary task of teaching you. However, "don't assume your prof looks down on you because you're an undergrad," says Brian Smith, a lecturer at Messiah College (Grantham, PA). "No one is born with a Ph.D.; we all started with grade school. And many of us - myself included - got plenty of bad grades along the way!"

Elaine Tooley, a senior at Houghton College (Houghton, NY), confesses she felt intimidated by professors when she first started school. An older student gave her some advice: "Professors like when students go to their office to talk to them." Elaine took that suggestion, and got to know her professors on a personal and professional level.

Besides teaching classes, profs also serve as mentors, advisors, and support, especially for students adjusting to life on campus. You can benefit from those who are "willing to act as a sounding board as they talk about problems with courses, eureka moments in research or a class, or their ideas and plans for the future," says Susan Groh, a professor at the University of Delaware (Newark, DE).

Tip #2: Break the ice.
It can be scary to approach a college professor after or outside of class. But if you don't, you're just going to remain another anonymous student in the lecture hall. "Going to office hours or speaking with a professor before or after a class is a great way to get started," says Michael Furtado, a senior at the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT). "Ask about the work they're doing, and show interest in the material."

Or, if there's something you didn't understand, ask for further explanation. "If you'd like to get beyond the subject matter, ask the prof to lunch or a cup of coffee -- and tell him or her why," suggests Smith. The result, says Michael, is that the professor will get to know your name and who you are. "[It will make] the environment more conducive to learning, and beneficial in the long run."

Another way to make a connection, says Smith, is to hear professors speak outside the classroom, or read some of their articles or books. That will give you something to talk about as an icebreaker.

Tip #3: Get involved.
Arianna Stefanoni, a senior communications major at Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ), says that her relationships with professors blossomed when she joined Rowan's award-winning chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). By pursuing her interests and abilities outside of the classroom, Arianna showed her professors a different side of herself that complements her academic ability.

Even if you earn average grades, the time you spend with a prof who advises an organization or club can positively influence his or her view of you. When it comes time to recommend you for an internship, job, or graduate school, the prof has a large body of knowledge about you.

"You may not get a 4.0 and spend your entire time studying, but you may have other characteristics of being independent, knowledgeable, and hard-working, that distinguish you from other students," says Michael.

Tip #4: Set high standards for yourself.
The truth is, profs enjoy talking with students who are ambitious and excited about learning. By completing your work on time, involving yourself in class, and respecting your fellow students, you set yourself up for success. Your instructors recognize those traits in students, and appreciate those who are active and interested.

Jamie Falkowski, a senior at the University of Connecticut, noticed that his professors took a personal interest in his learning because of his passion for the subject and his respect for them. "Professors want to see you succeed not for the reasons of grades, but because they end up appreciating you as an individual and not just another seat in a class."

Smith agrees. "I am always most gratified when a student works through a project with me, sharing findings and ideas along the way, and seeking guidance if needed." Profs love to work collaboratively with students to help them engage in the course material.

Tip #5: Recognize the rewards.
There are many great reasons to get to know your professors. After all, talking with a teacher is intellectually stimulating and helps you explore new ideas. Many students also find that there is an element of mentoring and advising to that relationship -- Arianna calls it the "emotional benefit." And then there are the tangible rewards like better letters of recommendation, internship opportunities, and practical advice you can glean from the relationship.

Perhaps the greatest reward I received from getting to know Dr. Downing is that I have a friend for life. We attended a national conference together, and I helped proofread her two books before they were published. College is a great time to learn from and with your profs. In Jamie's experience, profs "make students feel like creative peers."

Breaking the ice can be intimidating. Just remember that profs are people too, ones who enjoy talking with students who want to learn. Elaine strongly suggests you cultivate relationships with profs in spite of any reservations you may have.

"Be outgoing," she advises. "If you aren't, make yourself be outgoing for a short amount of time. It's important to get to know people who have been where you are, made it through, and have words of wisdom to offer."

Don't:

• call the professor at home, unless he or she specifically states that it's welcomed.


• dump all of your personal problems on your prof.


• call profs by their first name, unless they give you permission.


• try to impress a prof with how much you know.


• ask highly personal questions.


• monopolize after-class conversations Or office hours.


• expect special treatment (better grades, allowances, excused absences, etc.) because you know the prof.