How to contact my lecturer

There are a few ways to contact your lecturer in South Africa. The most common ways are:

Email: Most lecturers have an email address that you can use to contact them. You can find the lecturer’s email address on the university or college’s website or in the module outline.

Phone: Some lecturers also have a phone number that you can use to contact them. You can find the lecturer’s phone number on the university or college’s website or in the module outline.

Virtual learning environment (VLE): Many universities and colleges use a VLE, such as Blackboard or Moodle, to deliver their courses. You can often find the lecturer’s contact information on the VLE.

Office hours: Lecturers typically have office hours where they are available to meet with students. You can find the lecturer’s office hours on the university or college’s website or in the module outline.

Personal message on the VLE: If you are not comfortable contacting your lecturer directly, you can send them a personal message on the VLE. This is a less direct way of contacting them, but it is still a way to get in touch.

When contacting your lecturer, it is important to be polite and respectful. You should also be clear about what you are asking or what help you need.

Tips for contacting your lecturer:

  • If you are emailing your lecturer, make sure to include your name, student number, and the module name in the subject line.
  • If you are calling your lecturer, be sure to call during their office hours.
  • If you are sending a personal message on the VLE, be sure to include your name and student number in the message.
  • If you are not sure how to contact your lecturer, you can always speak to your academic advisor or the student affairs office.

Remember, your communication should be concise, respectful, and clear. Here’s an example of how your email might look:

Subject: Inquiry Regarding [Course Name] - Request for Clarification  

Dear Professor [Last Name],  

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently enrolled in your [Course Name] class. I am writing to seek clarification on the recent lecture about [Topic or Lecture Title].  

In the lecture, you discussed [briefly mention the topic]. I am seeking further clarification on [specific aspect of the topic or question]. 
I have reviewed the course materials, but I'm still unclear about [your specific concern or question].  If possible, could you kindly provide more guidance or resources related to this topic? Your expertise would greatly assist me in grasping the material better.  

Thank you for taking the time to consider my inquiry. I appreciate your dedication to fostering our learning experience.  Sincerely,  [Your Full Name] [Your University Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

Adhere to these steps will help you create a professional and respectful email to contact your lecturer in South Africa.