Probably because they consider it too phallic to erect a tent. |
I graduated 35 years ago and I called all my professors by their first name at their request. So not surprised that it is more wide spread now.
I went to a SLAC in the Northeast FWIW |
When I was a graduate TA, I let them use my first name but that set up too casual a relationship where they felt like my friend. Then, they didn’t respond well to rules. I also had to learn about boundaries.
I was so young and inexperienced! When I was a professor, I preferred professor. I look young so felt I needed them to recognize the title and that may have helped them see me as a guide as opposed to a “friend” or even a substitute parent. |
I think this is dumb. |
DP. Welp, you probably have nooooo idea about what's involved in writing a dissertation/finishing a doctorate. It's a huge deal. |
I went to GDS where students call teachers by their first name (even if they have a phd) and I think it was useful for recognizing that an authentically respectful relationship is more than performance of rituals. But I certainly never had an issue or difficulty calling people by other names and honorifics based on cultural norms or their request.
I just don’t think this is important or very useful for establishing hierarchy. I’m fine to do whatever people prefer and I’ll personally answer to anything if it’s coming from a respectful place. |
Grad students and Postdocs yes, professors no. Grad students and postdocs were the best teachers. |
PhD is great. Making it literally your identity is not. |
What rules does a professor enforce? Are you at a low end school where the college students don't behave like adults in class? |
I’m a college professor and my students (both undergaduate and graduate students) often call me “prof +first name”, or just first name. No big deal. I did the same when I was a student.
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Wow, a tiny school in a small city isn't having large protests? Shocking. But also this: https://www.adl.org/campus-antisemitism-report-card/oberlin-college Professor preaching Hamas and a walkout. |
Do you use your professional title / position name anywhere in your workplace? Email signature? Website? Promo materials? Directory? Did you have to achieve appropriate education, qualify for your position, and earn your job? So do professors. Do you identify with your job? Not everyone does, but for many people their career is an important part of how they see themselves. Same with professors. Do you need to demonstrate leadership in your workplace and mentor those with less experience? So do professors. If you have a problem with them being addressed as "Dr. X" in their professional workplace environment, maybe you'd also prefer that clergy and law enforcement officers and judges drop their titles, too? |
I work in a state flagship and titles are still used even by adult staff members when addressing faculty, deans, etc. My sister is a faculty member at a T20 and gets annoyed if a student does not use her title (she doesn’t care whether it’s Dr or Professor).
I am a lawyer, husband is an MD and we both find titles silly. We go along with it, but I do find it strange to address a faculty physician or professor as “Dr” in a non-official email rather than just using their first name. |
It's normal west of the Rockies, but here in the east it's Dr. |
Because you lack a basic understanding of respect, discipline, and custom and courtesy. This is how most of the world works. |