Can you give professors a gift/letter of thanks?

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hello everyone, </p>

<p>This past school year, I've grown really close to one of my professors. She's done a lot for me, and I'm truly thankful. She's written me recommendations for internships, she's regularly spent time working with me on supplemental material during her office hours, she's given me a lot of practical life advice, and I just really feel like we've bonded. She's said that it's crazy how similar we are and that she sees a lot of herself in me, and that makes me smile because she's a great person and has been like a role model for me. </p>

<p>Would it would appropriate to maybe write her a letter and drop it off in her mailbox before our last day of classes? She's an adjunct and is only on our campus once a week, so it'd be hard to give it to her after the exam or before the last class meeting. Also, I'm too shy to give it to her in person, and I don't know if it would have as much meaning that way. </p>

<p>I don't know if I'm ever going to have her again since she doesn't know where she'll be as an adjunct, but I hope that I do and that I could still have contact with her because it's been a great experience. However, in case I don't have her again, I'd really like to let her know that she's valued and appreciated and that she made a big, positive impact on my education. </p>

<p>Any thoughts on how I should give her the letter? (or if I even should?) Thank you.</p>

2

<p>Heck, yes, you should. People like to he appreciated, and gratitude is good!</p>

3

<p>The only caution is if you are currently taking a class from her. You don’t want the appearance of bribing her for a good grade.</p>

4

<p>Hmm, I do have a class with her right now… When should I give her the letter, then? (or rather how since she’s only on campus once a week?) Or should I just send her an email after the final?</p>

5

<p>Send her an email after grades have been turned in. But do send it. If you feel comfortable, cc her department chair, or write another one to the chair.</p>

6

<p>Emailing her after grades are in is probably the way to go. Thanks. </p>

<p>And also, would it be weird to cc or email the chair when I’m going to have them this summer in a class and probably have them again throughout my schooling? I’d really like for the department to know how much she helped me, but I also wouldn’t want to come across as weird or anything. I have no idea how that type of thing works.</p>

7

<p>Do it, AND cc the chair. Perhaps she’ll need it when it comes time to rehiring. It is absolutely appropriate (after the course is ended) and much appreciated.</p>