Scenario 3: Did my professor just go AWOL?

It’s two days before the first day of school and your professor - whom you’ve never met - hasn’t contacted you.

a. you pick up the phone and call her
b. you ask the graduate coordinator / advisor / lab director what to do
c. you send her an email introducing yourself and asking whether there’s anything she needs you to do before class starts
d. you plan to show up for class and meet her then – it would be impolite to impose yourself

recommended answer: b and c. It might be that it’s not necessary to meet with the professor (especially if there’s a lab director or lead TA who gives you the lowdown about responsibilities and duties). However, it’s always polite to introduce yourself, even if you’re not working with the professor directly.