I'm taking an innovative course on using technology for humanitarian causes, taught by a professor I really like. But it's awful! How can I tell him what I think, and/or turn this disaster of a course into something worthwhile? [more inside]
posted by k. on Sep 23, 2009 - 29 answers

A professor singled out a (blond, pretty) female student in a relatively small class and asked several male students and one female student to describe her beauty. The men were asked to describe her as though they were trying to tell a male friend how beautiful she is, while the woman was asked to describe her as though she was a family member. Should I register a complaint with the university? [more inside]
posted by Baethan on Jun 1, 2009 - 75 answers

Student/former professor romance. Personal experiences and anecdotes are welcome. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 30, 2009 - 29 answers

Question about asking for a research assistant position with a professor [more inside]
posted by dolemite01 on Apr 7, 2009 - 7 answers

Ladies, tell me how you seduced a man. Gentlemen, tell me how you were seduced. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 13, 2009 - 45 answers

My professor’s intimidating, confrontational style makes the classroom atmosphere difficult to tolerate. I can't drop the class or switch sections. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 21, 2009 - 55 answers

Quote/saying: Old grass on new green? Old knowledge on new grass? I can't remember! [more inside]
posted by Black_Umbrella on Dec 14, 2008 - 3 answers

I've got math anxiety but not the traditional kind. I'm graduating with a math degree but I feel very insecure pursuing higher math. How did something this beautiful turn into a bugbear? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 - 20 answers

Calling all professors and teachers: What is crucial to keep in mind in order to foster a successful class discussion? [more inside]
posted by umbú on Dec 3, 2008 - 20 answers

This spring I will be finished with my second Master's degree. I've been at my current job for almost three years and while I enjoy it immensely, I am wondering about other opportunities that having two graduate degrees might open up for me. Am hoping to obtain answers especially from individuals who have multiple degrees and have gone into somewhat different career paths. [more inside]
posted by msposner on Nov 11, 2008 - 3 answers

I recently found out that one of my professors takes practically all of his lecture material straight off the web. Should anything be done? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 - 50 answers

Can/should I ask a TA to write a grad school recommendation for me? [more inside]
posted by suedehead on Oct 27, 2008 - 17 answers

Letter of Recommendation Filter: Professor said yes, but it's more complicated than that. [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb on Oct 11, 2008 - 15 answers

Therapist? Professor? Something else? Help me figure out a career/life-direction dilemma. Dear MeFites: You are wise. Please help me think through a tangle of career thoughts. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 17, 2008 - 9 answers

Any advice concerning email communication with professors who I'll be contacting at the various schools that I will be applying to for PhD programs in Political Science? [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford on Aug 27, 2008 - 10 answers

What are some good appreciation gift ideas for a thesis advisor who was kind when the project took far longer than originally planned? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 30, 2008 - 10 answers

I just found out that I have an phone interview for a faculty (assistant professor) position (biology) at a liberal-arts college this Wednesday afternoon. Yay! But I've never actually had a formal interview before. Help! Also, I'm pregnant. Questions and advice requests inside. [more inside]
posted by gaspode on Apr 14, 2008 - 23 answers

My formal educational background/profession is in a different area, but I would be interested in teaching a seminar on spirituality, comparative religion, and philosophy at a university. I've studied these areas informally. Anyway, I want it to be mostly a participatory, discussion-oriented class, not one where I pass down my knowledge from on high. How hard would this be to do and how should I go about doing it -- esp. at a well-known university like, say, NYU? I don't need much if any compensation.
posted by Malad on Mar 24, 2008 - 17 answers

Should I give my co-advisor the boot? Question about dealing with a difficult advisor for my grad program...a nice, long read awaits you... [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 2, 2008 - 15 answers

Throughout my college career, I could probably count on one hand the number of professors I've seen who wear wedding rings, and this includes professors who mention their spouses. Is this just coincidence, or is there something to it? [more inside]
posted by phaded on Feb 6, 2008 - 25 answers

My contract said "Adjunct Professor." My faculty ID card said "Adjunct Instructor." My paycheck said "Lecture/Adjunct." I never cared since this was just a two-year, part-time gig and I had no further interest in academia... but I do need to call it something in my bio. I don't have a terminal degree, suggesting and the contract was wrong and the ID card was right. I emailed the department; they said they'd check but didn't email back (I'll ask again). This was at a large private university in the U.S. I have to finalize a bio tonight -- should I just say Adjunct Instructor?
posted by anonymous on Jan 21, 2008 - 25 answers

How do I go about hitting on (and sleeping with) a man with whom I have an unequal power relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 19, 2007 - 49 answers

I heard a story on NPR some time ago, and am having no luck finding it now. It was about a man, possibly a professor of architecture, who taught students how to mindfully walk and study the suburban landscape. Who was this person? [more inside]
posted by jquinby on Oct 10, 2007 - 12 answers

Should I contact him, or leave it alone? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 16, 2007 - 36 answers

NewAcademicJobFilter: What did/should you do, to start off a new academic job at a new institution and do it right? Lab? Colleagues? Students? People to know? Actions to take? How did you leave your own institution? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia on Jul 3, 2007 - 6 answers

Men's FashionFilter: I need to update my develop a wardrobe for the Fall and after. [more inside]
posted by exlotuseater on Jun 15, 2007 - 19 answers

I am a new tenure track professor (research uni) in the US. I just finished my first year and feel barely competent in a lot of areas -- ok but not good teaching evals, 3-6 weeks late in paper "deadlines", so many last minute "preparations" for classes or meetings, no good ideas for future research. I need some help figuring out how to better play the game, or to be happier with just getting by. Fellow academics (or others in similar professions), to the bat phone! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 23, 2007 - 25 answers

Should I introduce myself to potential graduate school advisors at the earliest opportunity, or wait until I'm better prepared and less indecisive? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Feb 1, 2007 - 11 answers

What can you tell me about excellent grad schools for the fine (visual!) arts in Eastern Canada... and about the job field for visual arts professors? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Dec 31, 2006 - 4 answers

How do I get to know my professors better (without coming off as a brown noser)? [more inside]
posted by champthom on Dec 3, 2006 - 27 answers

I am very familiar with Lawrence Lessig and his writings, particularly on copyright, but I thought it would only be fair to look at the other side. So, who are the biggest US names in pro-copyright/anti-Lessig law? [more inside]
posted by evadery on Nov 29, 2006 - 10 answers

Verbally bitchslapping a professor via email: can I get in trouble? [more inside]
posted by baking soda on Nov 17, 2006 - 54 answers

Should college art professors have an outside career in their field of arts aside from teaching? [more inside]
posted by matimer on Nov 5, 2006 - 18 answers

How do I re-establish a research relationship with a professor I kinda-sorta worked with in college a few years ago? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 25, 2006 - 13 answers

How do you handle a college professor that you're smarter than? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish on Sep 7, 2006 - 64 answers

Does my flaky departure and subsequent lack of fame / distinction make corresponding a no-no with this former professional associate? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 24, 2006 - 11 answers

Who knows how to pronounce Welsh near Chapel Hill, NC? I think I'd like to throw a small party at which we all learn the basics of pronouncing Welsh, and I'd love to find an expert, preferably one with experience teaching, to help us. [more inside]
posted by amtho on Jul 16, 2006 - 7 answers

I want to become a professor of political science. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by matkline on Feb 7, 2006 - 19 answers

Help me apply to grad school! I'm making initial contacts with faculty at various universities, in hopes of getting a foot in the door while doing applications. I'm not entirely sure what to write in my e-mails of introduction, though. [more inside]
posted by kalimac on Oct 3, 2005 - 19 answers

Blogging in the classroom. I've decided to set-up a blog for my students this semester. This will be the place for their response papers, writing exercises and a few other tidbits. It needs to have access for 5-10 members, a very easy set-up, free-to-near-free pricing (although I would pay or find the dollars to fund if it was warranted), and very clear posting/linking instructions for the students. Advice on selecting a blogging system needed. [more inside]
posted by fionab on Aug 31, 2005 - 14 answers

How does one become a professor (read: university level instructor)? [more inside]
posted by keswick on Jul 12, 2005 - 33 answers

Sorry is this has been asked before, but what were the *real* character names on Gilligan's Island. Not the actors names (Bob Denver, Alan Hale, et.c), but the non-nickname names of the skipper, Gilligan, Professor,etc. I seem to remember that the Skipper's name was something like Jonas Grumby....
posted by jimbler on Apr 14, 2004 - 15 answers