Is there anything we can do about it?

It's not like I'm asking a question that requires a 10-page response.. all I need is 1 or 2-sentence response on a course related question, but this prof is ignoring it completely.
I've sent it twice now just to make sure that he's received it.

I honestly think 'busyness' is not a valid excuse..
I remember Dr. Day, who teaches more than a thousand students each term, used to answer every single question I asked regardless of how inquisitive they were.

This prof who's been ignoring my email only teaches ~200 students so he can't possibly be that busy to answer a very simple question.

Originally Posted by onedayy

Is there anything we can do about it?

It's not like I'm asking a question that requires a 10-page response.. all I need is 1 or 2-sentence response on a course related question, but this prof is ignoring it completely.
I've sent it twice now just to make sure that he's received it.

I honestly think 'busyness' is not a valid excuse..
I remember Dr. Day, who teaches more than a thousand students each term, used to answer every single question I asked regardless of how inquisitive they were.

This prof who's been ignoring my email only teaches ~200 students so he can't possibly be that busy to answer a very simple question.

I know Dr. Khan doesn't really respond to emails because he hates typing on a keyboard lol. He'd rather you go see him in person no matter how simple the question is.

Profs have different reasons when they don't answer emails. I know one truly got so many emails in a day and a lot went to his spam box, that we would get an email back saying we never handed in our assignment when we did.

Most prefer not to use Avenue mail but check discussion frequently, some prefer you email while some prefer you drop by so try not to take it too personally

Profs also have responsibilities other than teaching that can lead to them being busy.

There are so many possible reasons why you haven't gotten a response yet. Your question, "is there anything we can do about profs who don't respond to emails" can't even really be answered - it's not like you're going to lodge a formal complaint or anything without even knowing the reason. As others have suggested, go see the prof in person (such as during office hours), or try a different method of communication. Make sure you're emailing from your McMaster address. Is there another person involved in the course who you could contact instead? In some cases, profs won't respond if the question is something that falls under the responsibility of the TA or IA.

Are you sending it with your McMaster email? Do you include the course code in the subject line? Have you attempted speaking with the prof in-person? If you've answered yes to all these questions, try slipping a note under their office door.