At the beginning of the class my "Professor" stated that we could call him "Tim", "Professor" and then rambled on about how he wanted to break the barrier of students feeling that they cannot approach him because he is the "Professor". He also came off as not really caring how we address him. It was kind of confusing. Later on in the class I emailed him for help. I was confused on how to address him so I choose to call him "Mr. Schroeder". I didn't want to be too formal but I didn’t want to be to casual either. He replied to my e-mail and at the bottom he wrote the following: "By the way: when writing a professor, I recommend using 'Professor' as a title rather than 'Mr.' It's generally most polite to use a person's most distinguished title when writing to the person. Or, as I mentioned at the start of the course, you can always use 'Tim'. But if we're going to be formal, then I recommend being formal in a nice way." I felt that it was rude and snobbish. What do you think about this?
2007-03-20 05:17:24 · 4 answers · asked by metrogurl 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I think you are really unclear about what the term "rude" means.
The Professor requested that you address him informally; you refused (rude in and of itself). You then wrote to him and used a title which he feels was incorrect (whether professor should or should not be used as a title of address is a separate issue). He pointed this out to you, in a correct and courteous way, for future reference.
Where was there any rudeness in this?
2007-03-20 05:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by P. M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is right, either be formal or personal. I don't think he was being rude, he was just explaining to you the difference. Go talk to him if you have a problem with him. Always talk to the professor before going over his head - this could cause more problems.
2007-03-20 05:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by Morgan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are taking his comment as a personal attack on you which is not the case. He let you know from the start how he would like to be addressed, use either of the two he suggested and there will be no problem. It's not that serious, really.
2007-03-20 05:28:22 · answer #3 · answered by deejay30 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His response was measured and appropriate. He was not rude in any way. You are overreacting.
2007-03-20 05:25:41 · answer #4 · answered by Your Best Fiend 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋