Timeline for Next steps in approaching an unresponsive academic
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
6 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 2017 at 15:36 | comment | added | Mr Bobinski | He can always decide not to pick up the phone if he doesn't want to answer. I think calling is the best way to reach this person, unless you are still near campus and could stop by office hours. | |
| Oct 17, 2017 at 7:42 | comment | added | Maarten Buis | I don't like being called, as that forces me to respond at a time that is in all likelihood not convenient to me. If you want to call, call his secretary. | |
| Oct 16, 2017 at 22:07 | comment | added | pab112 | I believe that calling him well after his working hours can be dangerous - sometimes he stays in the office very late. It would be quite awkward if he pick up my call about 10 p.m. | |
| Oct 16, 2017 at 21:34 | comment | added | SystemCalls | Something more subtle than a direct call during working hours is to call their office phone well after work hours and leave a message. I wouldn't mention the emails in the message. Just let them know you are applying to PhD programs and would like to talk to them about a recommendation letter. Then give a callback number. Depending on your location, you could drop in for a visit during office hours and casually mention your plans. Then gauge their reaction; see if they offer a letter or just nod. | |
| Oct 16, 2017 at 21:12 | comment | added | pab112 | This professor is also doing a lot of consulting and external work. Also, I had my friends to check whether he is still working there and it seems that it is the case. My potential schools have portals for recommendation letters, but I think it would be better to first know that he is actually happy to refer me, rather than to present him with a fait accompli. Would you suggest to give him a ring or maybe to use a more subtle way such as sending a letter, which is more difficult to overlook? | |
| Oct 16, 2017 at 20:49 | history | answered | SystemCalls | CC BY-SA 3.0 |