Have you ever written a thank you note to a professor?

Jolie, BSN · Mar 8, 2007

Once a class has ended and final grades have been posted, it is perfectly appropriate to write a thank-you note to a professor who you believe demonstrated excellence in teaching. I suggest you cc the note to his/her department head as well.

When you are working as a professional, you will appreciate such notes from patients and families. Never hesitate to recognize excellence.

arciedee · Mar 8, 2007

I agree with jolie... I'm sure it would mean a lot to those professors to know that you appreciated their hard work, and probably wish they got more of those letters. Send 'em!

biogeek · Mar 8, 2007

They will NOT think you're nuts, and in fact, will be very pleased to know that their efforts made a difference in at least one student. People are often quick to critize, but usually forget to praise those that do well and challenge us to be the best that our abilities will allow. A thoughtful, handwritten thank you note never goes out of style.

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

I sent them to the professors who wrote my letters of recomendation. I thought it was nice that they took the time to help me. I think it is a good thing, I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to feel like they made a difference in someone else's life.

RN BSN 2009 · Mar 9, 2007

Yes, but it is true, it's wiser to wait until after the grades have been issued so you're not labeled as a kisser-upper! One time I actually gave a professor a gift, and a note (NO not in my handwriting) anonymously and signed "Anonymous because I don't want you to think i'm a suck up!) Well she thanked me during class but wasn't sure who she was thanking! LOL

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

I sent a thank you note to one of my profs. To another I sent a get-well card because she broke her foot and couldn't finish teaching the class. I just adored her and I missed her! In fact, I ran into the broken foot instructor this week. We chatted for a long time. Instructors do appreciate it. Wouldn't you?

GottaGetIn · Mar 9, 2007

These are all professors from a few semesters ago! :)

Trauma Columnist · Mar 9, 2007

Go for it. I think its wonderful that you're so thoughtful.

GeneralJinjur · Mar 9, 2007

I have sent messages after the semester's over to let them know that I enjoyed the class and appreciated their efforts. They're people long before they're professors, so I don't think it's out of place.

NightOwl0624 · Mar 9, 2007

Two semesters ago, I sent my AP prof a very quick email after the last class, telling him how much I liked the class, but later felt silly because our grades hadn't been posted yet (even though I was 99.999% positive I would get an A). Last semester I sent my chem prof a note thanking him, AFTER my grade was posted, and got a very nice note back.

I also think it is appropriate to thank someone, even if they are doing their job, because it is easy to complain, but you really have to go out of your way to be nice and I think it is appreciated.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

I think that's a great idea!! I used to be very conscientious on my job in IT to thank project members from outside my team via e-mail and cc their managers...I can't tell you how many words of gratitude I heard from the person themselves and their bosses (who would cc THEIR boss)...I think too often in this society we're quick and prompt about complaining about people, but not so quick to physically follow through on thanking people....terrific idea!!