What do I call him? Prof. or Mr. or Bob?

Question

So I have this professor that I run into from time to time and I never know what to call him when I talk to him about non-school stuff. In emails to me he just uses his first name, Bob, so is it safe for me to call him Bob or is it rude? If feel goofy addressing casual e-mails formally. What would you do. Should I ask, "What should I call you?"

Answer 1

Well, since you seem to be exchanging emails with him, is he doinkin' you? If so, I guess you can call him Bob.

Answer 2

A good rule of thumb is to address people as they introduce themselves. If he introduced himself as Bob, and signs his emails Bob, then it's a safe guess he'd like to be called Bob.

However, if that feels strange to you, call him Professor Lastname, and see what he says. If he'd truly prefer you called him Bob, he'll probably say, "oh that's alright, just call me Bob." A lot of professors do prefer that, or at least that's what I found in university. But then, I went to a small one where the student-prof ratio was small, and everyone knew everyone anyway.

Answer 3

That person worked really hard for that title, so I would continue calling him professor until he says otherwise. i wouldn't even ask, i would just do it out of respect.
I agree with the answers about e-mails. I've held various titles over the years, but I've always signed them with my name only, unless I was in a situation where I needed authority for some reason or another.
I know people that put their titles in ALL e-mails and it just comes across as vain.
I used to work in dental offices and I had one Dr. that wanted me to call him by his first name, and I just couldn't do it. He was Dr. ______ and that was it. He even resorted to calling me "nurse" just to get at me, but still, to this day (haven't worked with him in 15 yrs. ) when I see him, it is Dr._________ (and i'm still "nurse" LOL!!!)
It's just a respect thing, call him Professor, and let him say, "Oh, please, call me Bob."

Answer 4

Just call him Professor ____________ (whatever his last name is). That is his professional title and it's the appropriate way to address him unless you were to have a personal relationship with him. But your relationship is a teacher / student one, and so keeping it formal should feel most comfortable for both you and him.

Answer 5

Well how was his name presented to you? Like did he write his name on the board or say "class I am So and So." I think you should address him as Mr. Whatever. If he then says, "call me Bob", then you could call him by his first name. Or you could be honest with him and say, "What should I call you When I see you outside of school........I'm kind of uncomfortable with the whole, what to call him, thing." see what he says.

Answer 6

I would err on the side of the more respectful: Professor.

As an instructor at a college, students would call me Professor. I personally did not care for it so I gently mentioned that they can call me by my first name. Until he says so, I'd keep call him "Professor."

Answer 7

Call him what your comfortable using. Bob, Mr. What ever, Professor so and so do what's gonna be cool for you. Who cares if it's proper or not damn it's just e-mail. You know when, where and who to be proper with. Hope that helped you out.

Answer 8

As a graduate student, I have problems with this all the time, so I know what you mean.
I think that the name he uses to sign e-mails is a good clue. I think you're probably okay with "Bob".

Answer 9

Definatly Professor, If he wishes to be called something other he will correct you. Always give the respect of addressing someone w/ their title

Answer 10

It is for him to decide how you should address him. Mr is out. Prof him and wait till he bobs himself. If he does not keep proffing him.

Answer 11

Most professors do not refer to themselves as Professor ___ in emails, or even letters. When a person sends an email, they use their name. "Professor" is not part of his name.

However, it is part of his title, and it took him a lot to earn it. It is respectful and correct for you to call him Professor, even outside of class.