Semester Start is a Great Time to Connect with Instructors

By Sarah Lyman Kravits, LifeBound Director of Training and Certification | Jan 13, 2026

Coaching for Connection

When it comes to student-faculty connections, perhaps the more typical scenarios involve students sending last-minute emails asking for clemency with a missing assignment, a retake of a failed exam, or a few more days' time to finish a paper. Sometimes the request is granted, sometimes not, with resulting effects on grades and emotions either way. However, a dashed-off email in a time of stress isn't likely to form a foundation for a beneficial relationship.

Even as social media and communication tools drive a hyperconnectivity that has increased modes and instances of interaction, many people are experiencing increased detachment and social isolation, especially in the wake of the pandemic. This presents challenges for college learners. Connection can drive more effective and lasting learning, and research — for example, this study from 2012 by Marina Micari of Northwestern University and Pilar Pazos of Old Dominion University — supports the connection between strong student-faculty relationships and successful performance as well as learning confidence. Anecdotally from my own coaching, I can say that in a majority of instances, students who face their fears and contact an instructor benefit from the connection. Many wish they had done it sooner in the semester.

Coaches, now is a terrific time to invite students to consider initiating connections with instructors, especially if you work with students who have internalized problematic messaging that the "smartest" or "best" students don't need "help" from an instructor, or that it is disrespectful to "bother" an instructor. Consider questions like these:

If you have not taken advantage of the opportunity to get to know your instructors in the past, how did that go? What would you like to do differently this semester?
When have you connected successfully with an instructor, and what did you take away from that connection?
How have your instructors made themselves available for communication with students?
What feels like the most comfortable action you can take to connect with instructors?
Which class feels like it will be toughest this semester? How do you think your instructor could help you succeed?
Who are you willing to contact first to see how it goes? How will you contact this instructor and what do you plan to say or ask?
What is your semester goal with connecting with one or more instructors? What could be a benefit that goes beyond college? (networking, learning about career possibilities, friendship)

Even as you help students make connections, you will benefit from broadening your own network with a LifeBound coaching training.

3-Day Virtual Coaching: Next Class - February 23, 25, 27
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Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

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