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Just starting in grad school, I haven't heard from my advisor in three weeks …
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up vote
13
down vote
favorite
I just started grad school this year. I met with my advisor over three weeks ago, on the first week of school. We talked about the school, she told me a bit about the department and showed me around the office. She also talked to me a bit about putting together an advisory committee, but that's it. It lasted an hour, but we didn't really talk about my research project. She told me to get settled into grad school over the next couple weeks. She did recommend I watch some videos to help me get more familiar on the nature of the project, which I did.
I'm worried I haven't heard from her in so long. She's someone who likes to set up weekly meetings for her students, too. And now I'm worried to email her because she may have been expecting an email like two weeks ago. What do I do? Should I email her? What should I say? I was thinking of mentioning to her that I watched the videos she recommended. I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school.
graduate-school masters advisor communication
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
I just started grad school this year. I met with my advisor over three weeks ago, on the first week of school. We talked about the school, she told me a bit about the department and showed me around the office. She also talked to me a bit about putting together an advisory committee, but that's it. It lasted an hour, but we didn't really talk about my research project. She told me to get settled into grad school over the next couple weeks. She did recommend I watch some videos to help me get more familiar on the nature of the project, which I did.
I'm worried I haven't heard from her in so long. She's someone who likes to set up weekly meetings for her students, too. And now I'm worried to email her because she may have been expecting an email like two weeks ago. What do I do? Should I email her? What should I say? I was thinking of mentioning to her that I watched the videos she recommended. I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school.
graduate-school masters advisor communication
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
I just started grad school this year. I met with my advisor over three weeks ago, on the first week of school. We talked about the school, she told me a bit about the department and showed me around the office. She also talked to me a bit about putting together an advisory committee, but that's it. It lasted an hour, but we didn't really talk about my research project. She told me to get settled into grad school over the next couple weeks. She did recommend I watch some videos to help me get more familiar on the nature of the project, which I did.
I'm worried I haven't heard from her in so long. She's someone who likes to set up weekly meetings for her students, too. And now I'm worried to email her because she may have been expecting an email like two weeks ago. What do I do? Should I email her? What should I say? I was thinking of mentioning to her that I watched the videos she recommended. I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school.
graduate-school masters advisor communication
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
I just started grad school this year. I met with my advisor over three weeks ago, on the first week of school. We talked about the school, she told me a bit about the department and showed me around the office. She also talked to me a bit about putting together an advisory committee, but that's it. It lasted an hour, but we didn't really talk about my research project. She told me to get settled into grad school over the next couple weeks. She did recommend I watch some videos to help me get more familiar on the nature of the project, which I did.
I'm worried I haven't heard from her in so long. She's someone who likes to set up weekly meetings for her students, too. And now I'm worried to email her because she may have been expecting an email like two weeks ago. What do I do? Should I email her? What should I say? I was thinking of mentioning to her that I watched the videos she recommended. I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school.
graduate-school masters advisor communication
graduate-school masters advisor communication
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
edited 18 mins ago
Wrzlprmft♦
32.2k9105176
32.2k9105176
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
asked 12 hours ago
aspire94
689319
689319
"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago
"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
It is very important to have frequent communication with your advisor, even if you think you have nothing new to say. And it is NEVER too late to email her. Just tell her the truth, just like you described above. Advisors want students who are honest and can make adjustments as needed. I am well aware of how awkward it can feel to meet with your advisor when you haven't accomplished everything you think you should have or when you think you're running behind schedule, but that's what weekly meetings with advisors are especially good for - evaluating what the next steps should be and how to change things around to get things done.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Every advisor is a bit different. Some may want you to take the initiative. Of course, she is also busy. If she has regular office hours you can go visit again. It is especially valuable if you want some specific guidance on your project or have some initial ideas that you want feedback on.
You can also ask, directly, how often you should meet and how to arrange it. If the meetings she has are group meetings, you probably want to be included in that also. Ask. Face time is best.
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
What do I do? Should I email her?
Absolutely. If you don't contact your advisor now, the 2 week delay will quickly grow into a 3 week delay, then a month of no communication. Then your advisor may decide to reach out to the department to check up on you. Contacting your advisor ASAP is the only reasonable action in your situation.
If you are very nervious about writing an email, here are a few things that may help (as someone who used to suffer from severe social anxiety I was in your shoes a few times, too).
- Put aside all your other assignments and entertainment until you finish and send the email.
- Don't try to guess what your advisor thinks of you or how she will respond, just find your strength in realization that what you're doing now is the right and responsible thing.
- Show that you are willing to learn from this communication mishap and make sure it does not repeat again.
- If you are still too anxious, try mindful breathing, it may help to focus and reduce the anxiety.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
She told you to get settled into grad school; presumably, you've done that, at least to a reasonable extent. She told you to watch certain videos, and you did that. And presumably your schedule of classes and other recurring obligations is reasonably fixed by now. So write an email telling her that and asking to set up a regular meeting time.
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
It is very important to have frequent communication with your advisor, even if you think you have nothing new to say. And it is NEVER too late to email her. Just tell her the truth, just like you described above. Advisors want students who are honest and can make adjustments as needed. I am well aware of how awkward it can feel to meet with your advisor when you haven't accomplished everything you think you should have or when you think you're running behind schedule, but that's what weekly meetings with advisors are especially good for - evaluating what the next steps should be and how to change things around to get things done.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
20
down vote
It is very important to have frequent communication with your advisor, even if you think you have nothing new to say. And it is NEVER too late to email her. Just tell her the truth, just like you described above. Advisors want students who are honest and can make adjustments as needed. I am well aware of how awkward it can feel to meet with your advisor when you haven't accomplished everything you think you should have or when you think you're running behind schedule, but that's what weekly meetings with advisors are especially good for - evaluating what the next steps should be and how to change things around to get things done.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
20
down vote
up vote
20
down vote
It is very important to have frequent communication with your advisor, even if you think you have nothing new to say. And it is NEVER too late to email her. Just tell her the truth, just like you described above. Advisors want students who are honest and can make adjustments as needed. I am well aware of how awkward it can feel to meet with your advisor when you haven't accomplished everything you think you should have or when you think you're running behind schedule, but that's what weekly meetings with advisors are especially good for - evaluating what the next steps should be and how to change things around to get things done.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It is very important to have frequent communication with your advisor, even if you think you have nothing new to say. And it is NEVER too late to email her. Just tell her the truth, just like you described above. Advisors want students who are honest and can make adjustments as needed. I am well aware of how awkward it can feel to meet with your advisor when you haven't accomplished everything you think you should have or when you think you're running behind schedule, but that's what weekly meetings with advisors are especially good for - evaluating what the next steps should be and how to change things around to get things done.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
answered 11 hours ago
MikeThomson
30113
30113
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
MikeThomson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Every advisor is a bit different. Some may want you to take the initiative. Of course, she is also busy. If she has regular office hours you can go visit again. It is especially valuable if you want some specific guidance on your project or have some initial ideas that you want feedback on.
You can also ask, directly, how often you should meet and how to arrange it. If the meetings she has are group meetings, you probably want to be included in that also. Ask. Face time is best.
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
Every advisor is a bit different. Some may want you to take the initiative. Of course, she is also busy. If she has regular office hours you can go visit again. It is especially valuable if you want some specific guidance on your project or have some initial ideas that you want feedback on.
You can also ask, directly, how often you should meet and how to arrange it. If the meetings she has are group meetings, you probably want to be included in that also. Ask. Face time is best.
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
Every advisor is a bit different. Some may want you to take the initiative. Of course, she is also busy. If she has regular office hours you can go visit again. It is especially valuable if you want some specific guidance on your project or have some initial ideas that you want feedback on.
You can also ask, directly, how often you should meet and how to arrange it. If the meetings she has are group meetings, you probably want to be included in that also. Ask. Face time is best.
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
Every advisor is a bit different. Some may want you to take the initiative. Of course, she is also busy. If she has regular office hours you can go visit again. It is especially valuable if you want some specific guidance on your project or have some initial ideas that you want feedback on.
You can also ask, directly, how often you should meet and how to arrange it. If the meetings she has are group meetings, you probably want to be included in that also. Ask. Face time is best.
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
answered 11 hours ago
Buffy
20.2k662114
20.2k662114
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
What do I do? Should I email her?
Absolutely. If you don't contact your advisor now, the 2 week delay will quickly grow into a 3 week delay, then a month of no communication. Then your advisor may decide to reach out to the department to check up on you. Contacting your advisor ASAP is the only reasonable action in your situation.
If you are very nervious about writing an email, here are a few things that may help (as someone who used to suffer from severe social anxiety I was in your shoes a few times, too).
- Put aside all your other assignments and entertainment until you finish and send the email.
- Don't try to guess what your advisor thinks of you or how she will respond, just find your strength in realization that what you're doing now is the right and responsible thing.
- Show that you are willing to learn from this communication mishap and make sure it does not repeat again.
- If you are still too anxious, try mindful breathing, it may help to focus and reduce the anxiety.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
What do I do? Should I email her?
Absolutely. If you don't contact your advisor now, the 2 week delay will quickly grow into a 3 week delay, then a month of no communication. Then your advisor may decide to reach out to the department to check up on you. Contacting your advisor ASAP is the only reasonable action in your situation.
If you are very nervious about writing an email, here are a few things that may help (as someone who used to suffer from severe social anxiety I was in your shoes a few times, too).
- Put aside all your other assignments and entertainment until you finish and send the email.
- Don't try to guess what your advisor thinks of you or how she will respond, just find your strength in realization that what you're doing now is the right and responsible thing.
- Show that you are willing to learn from this communication mishap and make sure it does not repeat again.
- If you are still too anxious, try mindful breathing, it may help to focus and reduce the anxiety.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
What do I do? Should I email her?
Absolutely. If you don't contact your advisor now, the 2 week delay will quickly grow into a 3 week delay, then a month of no communication. Then your advisor may decide to reach out to the department to check up on you. Contacting your advisor ASAP is the only reasonable action in your situation.
If you are very nervious about writing an email, here are a few things that may help (as someone who used to suffer from severe social anxiety I was in your shoes a few times, too).
- Put aside all your other assignments and entertainment until you finish and send the email.
- Don't try to guess what your advisor thinks of you or how she will respond, just find your strength in realization that what you're doing now is the right and responsible thing.
- Show that you are willing to learn from this communication mishap and make sure it does not repeat again.
- If you are still too anxious, try mindful breathing, it may help to focus and reduce the anxiety.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
What do I do? Should I email her?
Absolutely. If you don't contact your advisor now, the 2 week delay will quickly grow into a 3 week delay, then a month of no communication. Then your advisor may decide to reach out to the department to check up on you. Contacting your advisor ASAP is the only reasonable action in your situation.
If you are very nervious about writing an email, here are a few things that may help (as someone who used to suffer from severe social anxiety I was in your shoes a few times, too).
- Put aside all your other assignments and entertainment until you finish and send the email.
- Don't try to guess what your advisor thinks of you or how she will respond, just find your strength in realization that what you're doing now is the right and responsible thing.
- Show that you are willing to learn from this communication mishap and make sure it does not repeat again.
- If you are still too anxious, try mindful breathing, it may help to focus and reduce the anxiety.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 6 hours ago
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
answered 7 hours ago
undercat
1414
1414
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
undercat is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
She told you to get settled into grad school; presumably, you've done that, at least to a reasonable extent. She told you to watch certain videos, and you did that. And presumably your schedule of classes and other recurring obligations is reasonably fixed by now. So write an email telling her that and asking to set up a regular meeting time.
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
She told you to get settled into grad school; presumably, you've done that, at least to a reasonable extent. She told you to watch certain videos, and you did that. And presumably your schedule of classes and other recurring obligations is reasonably fixed by now. So write an email telling her that and asking to set up a regular meeting time.
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
She told you to get settled into grad school; presumably, you've done that, at least to a reasonable extent. She told you to watch certain videos, and you did that. And presumably your schedule of classes and other recurring obligations is reasonably fixed by now. So write an email telling her that and asking to set up a regular meeting time.
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
She told you to get settled into grad school; presumably, you've done that, at least to a reasonable extent. She told you to watch certain videos, and you did that. And presumably your schedule of classes and other recurring obligations is reasonably fixed by now. So write an email telling her that and asking to set up a regular meeting time.
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
answered 4 hours ago
Andreas Blass
14.3k3550
14.3k3550
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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"I think I'm already making a bad impression in grad school". FYI, just have a look at Impostor syndrome and try to change the way you think.
– tod
2 hours ago
How does your graduate school work? Do you have other obligations beside your research project, such as coursework?
– Wrzlprmft♦
15 mins ago