Reply to How are kids supposed to address professors? Dr., Professor, first name? Daughter got rude reaction

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Your daughter is now in the world of academia. This is how academia works: You err on the side of respect until you are invited into a more informal relationship.

Don't like it? You don't have to stay in academia.

I have a master's degree and have worked as an administrative staff member at four universities and a law school. This is how academia is. Now you know, too.[/quote]

What exactly is disrespectful about using someone's first name?[/quote]

I think one of the PPs already addressed this...but in case you didn't scroll up to read it...the disrespect is in your daughter assuming a level of familiarity or even-footing as though she is a chummy peer of her instructor. She is not. They earned the title of Dr. (or Professor if the teacher is a full professor) through many years of study and the PhD degree. Using the appropriate moniker is a way of expressing understanding of this earned title and level of expertise in his or her field of study. It is also a way for her to express her understanding of the hierarchy AND professionalism of the student/professor relationship. Just as your daughter should have addressed her pediatrician as Dr. House unless/until she was invited to call her Judy...she should not address a college teacher by their first name unless INVITED to do so.

You use the first name to address a peer or a friend (or even a friend of a friend if that is how you are introduced)--but you should teach your daughter to use appropriate titles for those who are in positions of authority as a sign of respect. It will serve her well in life.

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