Dear Elle,
This is my first Faculty Dinner and I have no idea who to invite. I feel like all the really cool professors will be busy already, and I’m nervous that I’ll get there and realize I have nothing to talk about. How do I even ask a professor if they want to come, anyways?
HELP!
Dinner Dilemma
Hey Dilemma,
Don’t be nervous!
Okay, well, be a little nervous, but that’s totally normal. Professors can be intimidating. What I’ve found, though, is that the professors I invite are really happy to come (if they can make it), and they’re flattered by the invite. Think about it—you’ve essentially just said, “Hey, I think you’re cool enough to hang out with outside class!” Who wouldn’t want to hear that? Between that and the surprisingly delicious dinner, whomever you decide to ask will be happy to hear from you. It’s way less intimidating once you realize that you’re paying them a compliment, not asking for a favor.
As for how to ask, you have a few options. Stop by office hours if you’re comfortable asking in person, and bring one of the invite cards so they remember the date. If you’re busy or shy, it’s also completely fine to shoot them an email. Think about having a backup, too—maybe a TF who would be able to make it on shorter notice—in case your prof of choice is already spoken for. Bringing a TF is an awesome idea, and it’s a lot of fun to hang out with someone closer to your own age who appreciates the free food.
Also, don’t worry about what you’ll talk about. Classes are a great topic, but chances are that your guest will have been talking about academics all day and might be pretty chatty about other things, too. The good ones like to get to know their students and will be legitimately interested to hear what you think about school, what you do outside the classroom, and what your plans are for the next few years.
If all else fails and the conversation’s a dud, just remember that it’s over in a few hours and that you’ll have an awesome horror story to scare freshman when it’s your turn to give advice.
Bon appétit!
HCXO,
Elle