Professor Interaction

by Brendan Horgan

UConn Law boasts a very dedicated and diverse group of Professors.  In my five semesters here, I have enjoyed different types of relationships with many professors.  The common thread that binds all of these experiences is the professor’s willingness to meet with students one-on-one.

This much is true across the board.  I have yet to meet a professor who was not accessible and willing to meet with me anytime they were free.  I have yet to come across a UConn professor who does not enjoy sitting down with a student and talking about the class material.  If the student reaches out, the professors here always respond.  This is one of my favorite aspects of UConn.

I’ve had professors whose classes I thought were boring.  I’ve had professors whose lectures were very difficult to intellectually penetrate.  I’ve had professors  who traveled the world and were incredibly busy.  However, when I needed help, all of these professors have been happy to meet with me.  My meetings with these professors always proved beneficial.

Typically, a law student will either talk with a professor after class, drop in on the professor’s office hours, or send an email to set up a mutually convenient time.  These interactions have always been cordial and informal.  The relationships with professors that mean the most are always forged during this one-on-one time.   Although the exam grading at UConn is done blindly (read:  sucking up has limited benefits), ensuring that professors know who you is important.  In my experience, I have done markedly better in the classes where I spent more time with the professor.  This is because an engaged student has questions.  Meeting with the professor and really delving into those questions provides the greatest insight into the class material. 

So, when you are an eager 1L, drop your professors a line, they would love to hear from you.