How would you feel if a professor insisted on your addressing him or her as prof

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   Anjiliposted 12 years ago

   How would you feel if a professor insisted on your addressing him or her as professor?
   
   Some academicians get agitated when visitors mistakenly address them as Sir or Madam

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2. 0

   msorenssonposted 12 years ago

   I assume that he or she has earned it so he or she can demand it. Most of the time, it is irrelevant as long as you show respect. Because he or she demands it, you have the option to honor his or her wishes or not.

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3. 70

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   I would think it's getting to their head. It's not that I am being disrespectful, it is that I think of them as an actual human. Though I've known a few teachers to call them by their first names and they are some of the best teachers out there.

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4. 71

   Bretsukiposted 12 years ago

   Those teachers annoy me. It seems they want to push authority .
   
   There are two ways depending on if they are teaching or may teach you in class. In that case call them what they want. Irritating them may cost you a grade.
   
   If you will never be in there class, call them anything, respectful to their face, Sir, Madam, Doctor. That is good manners and their problem if they don't like it.
   
   I am studying for my MA right now and have met with several orders of professors, Doctors and MA's. All of them have accepted that I have until I know their qualifications called the Sir or Ms. upon learning their academic title I adjust accordingly. 
   
   Demanding one uses a title like Professor is academic snobbery and like any form of snobbery it is ridiculous.

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      Anjiliposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you. They deserve the title yes, but snobbery is a bit repugnant especially when rubbed in with a measure of academic salt.

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   Clive Donegalposted 12 years ago

   It seems no more than calling a spade a spade.
   For some who struggle to get where they are, I think it is more important to have the trappings.
   What is your objection to addressing someone by his proper title?
   When I taught in college, everyone addressed me by my first name, but I knew others who insisted on Professor, which was fine, or "Doctor," with which I take more issue for non-MDs.

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   ahmed.bposted 12 years ago

   I think it is okay to call them what they like Sir, Madam, Professor or Doctor all are okay. I think to be a teacher is some of the most respectale profession around. And it will not harm you if you call anything like that, rather to me giving honor to your teachers is actually giving honor to yourself.

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   Marcy Goodfleischposted 12 years ago

   I personally think it's a bit pretentious and controlling.  I teach at a university, and I prefer being called by my first name.  The courses I teach have a lot of classroom dialogue and debate, and as long as students aren't interrupting each other, I want them to feel comfortable sharing ideas, challenging ideas and participating.  I set high standards for writing, so I'm not a pushover.  But college is a time to stretch - it's not all about the instructor being all-powerful.

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      Anjiliposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would have enjoyed having you as my Prof.

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   Schatzie Speaksposted 12 years ago

   I don't see a problem with calling a professor "Professor"...it's what they are. Just like you would call a doctor "Dr. X" or a judge "Judge Y."  Plus, I would always go for over-formality as opposed to over-familarity myself where professionals are concerned, as a sign of respect. Further, I believe that everyone should call a person by the name they wish to be called, no matter who it is. If "Professor" was a term that someone wished to be called who wasn't even a professor I would still call them that as it is what they want. Saying it is not so difficult; if it makes the other person happy then what's the big deal? I personally would loathe to be called "Madam" and would take any other title over it any day of the week myself!

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   ackman1465posted 12 years ago

   I think there's quite a spectrum of feelings and beliefs about this subject.... as evidenced by the several submittals which preceded mine (this one)....
   
   Frankly, I must confess that I'm totally content when someone doesn't call or refer to me as "Hey, Shithead....."

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    junksellerposted 12 years ago

    I have taken more college classes than I would like to admit and never once have encountered a professor that was that particular. I wouldn't really have an issue with it though. Being a professor requires many years of serious commitment, not much different from a judge, and includes not just education but usually many years of working in their fields. Asking to be recognized for that, doesn't seem inappropriate to me. Also, personally, I think students should always address their teachers as professor (unless otherwise requested). Being respectful reflects well on oneself, regardless of whether the teacher earns the respect or not.

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    Gusserposted 12 years ago

    Remind him or her whom is employing whom. You pay their salary, they need to also respect you.

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    theseusposted 12 years ago

    I am a teacher, myself, but I wouldn't mind if students will not be calling Professor as long as the respect is still there. I'd rather they call me by my first name. In that way, there is a closer bond between them and myself hence they will not hesitate to tell me if they have problems I can help them with. Afterall, I am not only just a teacher but a second parent to them.

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    edhanposted 12 years ago

    It is through great effort to achieve the title therefore they deserve to be called as professor.
    
    It is also a kind of respect that we need to know for their achievement. This is what we have been taught in life starting from our own homes.
    
    In my family, we address my brothers, sisters, cousins, etc according to the ranking instead of by names.

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    cat on a soapboxposted 12 years ago

    It wouldn't bother me. If he or she earned the title, then it is respectful to address that person as he or she wishes. It's the personality and teaching style, not the title, that really matters. I don't view it as a power play.

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    MarleneBposted 12 years ago

    I guess it is just a matter of preference on how people prefer to be greeted. If they have earned it, then I make a point of calling them by that title. Some people don't mind you being a little less formal, for instance, I am an ordained minister, and even though I have earned the right to be addressed as Reverend, I would rather people address me with my first name. But, if I make a mistake and address a professor by their first name and they would prefer to be addressed as "Professor So and So", then I humbly apologize and greet them accordingly.

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