I was recently invited to apply for a prestigious scholarship at my college, and the turnaround is pretty fast (due in less than 10 days). I need 3 professors to act as references (I only need to provide professor names on form to be turned in before due date). I immediately emailed 3 professors 3 days ago, and 2 of them have replied to me. The third one has not.
My question is, what is proper etiquette in this case? Should I send a follow-up email? (If so, when should I do this?) Should I assume the professor does not want to be my reference? Should I assume the professor does not object to being a reference? (Doubtful) Should I go ahead and email another professor?
I am just worried because the due date is coming up so fast, and I think my chances for winning this scholarship are pretty high, so I want everything to go smoothly. Any advice would help! Thank you.
On Monday, try calling the department office. The secretary should be able to tell you if the professor is away or doesn’t check email during the summer, and may have an alternate means for you to contact the prof. I’d have a backup person in mind, just in case. Hope you win the scholarship!
@stradmom Thank you very much for this feedback! I will contact the department administrative assistant to see what she says. In the meantime, should I still send a follow-up email in case he just forgot to reply?
Something else - I creepily stalked the professor’s website (posted on the department page) and came across his home phone number and personal mailing address (strange that he would post it there). Is it completely creepy and unprofessional to call his home phone?
Bear in mind that I attend a liberal arts college, and call my professor by his first name. Also, he posted that information on his website.
I’d use his personal info as an absolute last resort (like you can’t even find a backup reference). Call the department office, and if you get nothing useful send emails to both your desired professor and a backup professor. If neither respond within 2-3 days, then use the personal info.
It’s entirely possible that the professor simply hasn’t checked his email-- spring session is long over. He may be travelling, he may be facing a family emergency, he may be painting his living room. He’s on vacation.
Yes, it IS CREEPY and UNPROFESSIONAL to bother him at home, regardless of where you found it.
Many professors are on 9 month contracts so don’t do alot of summer work. I agree with contacting the department to see if the professor is available for a reference.
He’s currently on campus doing research.