Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with professor

What gift to thank an advisor?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:29:16 -0800

What are some good appreciation gift ideas for a thesis advisor who was kind when the project took far longer than originally planned? I did an undergraduate thesis in college. My paper took about, um, a year longer to finish than it should have due to some personal issues and some challenges with the paper itself. My advisor had to deal with some hassles because of this as well, and was always very patient and cool about it. He also went out of his way to get my paperwork submitted at the last minute (due to me taking so long). All of the paperwork was recently tied up and I'm officially done now. I want to send a thank-you note and a small gift of appreciation to his office, but I know nothing about the protocol for this or what would be an appropriate gift?
He's a fairly young professor, not super formal, and other than that I know he likes music a lot and has young kids. I hate giving non-relatives gift certificates because it seems too monetary and less thoughtful. I also am trying to avoid anything too office-ish like a fruit basket or a mug or whatever. Any suggestions on an appropriate gift that one could give in this situation? I am somewhat broke so it can't be anything too fancy, unfortunately.

Advice for faculty position job interview?

gaspode — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:48:56 -0800

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. Some background: Right now I'm a post-doc in a Neuroscience department at a medical school. This is my second post-doc position. I left the first one with several publications, but sooner than I would have wished because my husband and I were finding living in different cities untenable. I have never had any sort of interview. I did my PhD in New Zealand, where, at least at my university, there was no formal interview process, you just found a mentor, applied for a scholarship and if you got one you were good to go. My two post-docs (both in the USA) have been arranged through networking and chatting to people at meetings followed by informal and then formal job offers.

My specific questions: Most of the interview advice I read online really seems geared to business or IT-type interviews. Do academic interviews follow similar or different lines? Am I going to be asked about my biggest weaknesses, or will they be more likely to stick to asking about my research, teaching philosophies etc? I intend to do a lot of research on the institution in the next couple of days (beyond what I read about when I applied). How important is it to know the ins and outs of the research of everyone in the department? (remembering that we are just at phone interview stage?) Also, the job posting mentioned a reasonable amount of administration (they are developing a new concentration in neuroscience) which I would love, but I have no actual administration experience. Is enthusiasm enough?

When I started sending out applications, I wasn't pregnant and wasn't expecting to be due right at the start of the fall semester, so obviously wouldn't be able to start then. Is this something I should bring up from the outset?

Finally, any other advice for faculty job interviews would be much appreciated!

How hard to become adjunct teacher of philosophy?

Malad — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:23:05 -0800

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.

To boot or not to boot?

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:33:24 -0800

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... I am in a graduate program and I have two advisors, one in my department (I will call him NP) who is very easy to get along with, and one in the professional school I wish to get into after my master's (I will call him R).

I am doing a multidisciplinary grad program, one that will look really good on my application to the professional program that I want to eventually be in. NP thought that having an advisor in that department would be helpful, so I asked R to co-advise. R is basically an ok guy...nice, listens when you have problems, and I think he tries to be helpful, but...

R is an incredibly difficult person to work with. I like to think that it is a combination of cultural backgrounds and Napoleon complex. He is coming up for tenure in about a year. He has screaming fights with his department head, and is extremely confrontational with other members of his department. I am getting tired of it, but NP is trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. So far:

1) When I asked him what tests he would like me to run on the blood samples collected, instead of 'advising' me, he told me to ask a friend of his. I found this odd. I asked the friend, who gave me limited info that was not helpful. So...

2) I am taking a class in the professional school as part of my plan of study, and asked the professor (who is in R's department) for suggestions. He told me to talk to M, and even spoke to M on my behalf. M was extremely helpful (she is an expert in part of what I am studying). The tests and protocol that M suggested were completely different from R's friend's suggestion, and are considerably more valid (the opinion of NP, the prof from my class, etc.) M has gone out of the way to train me in techniques and find information, even though I am not her student. She has been more helpful to me than R ever has. M even went to talk to another expert for me (she thought it would be useful), and when she did...

3) The expert and R were working together, and M approached the expert and asked his advice, used my name. R immediately flew off the handle and jumped M's case: "Why is she talking to you?!? She is MY grad student!!!" M was accompanied by her grad student, who asked R if he knew anything about the technology in question. No, he didn't.

The next time I was training in M's lab, she approached me and said that it wasn't her place, but she didn't want me to be blindsided when he confronted me about it (coming up). She also gave me advice, which was to get him off of my committee. She says that he is a loose cannon, and is confrontational with most everybody. She also said that in her annual review, the department head had read R's comments and dismissed them as BS, saying that he had contributed very little to the department, and had blown his startup package on traveling to seminars all over the world (he did not present at any of them). She said that she doesn't usually have problems with R, but the way she deals with him is just to tuck her tail and run.

4) So NP and I and gone to pick up supplies for the field work (R was out of town at a seminar-not presenting). He had wanted us to drop off the list and then he would pick it up. The supply clerk would not let us do that, so we had to take the supplies and store them in M's office. I emailed R and told him where the supplies were. He sent me a fairly nasty email, asking why I had done that, etc. Then, he called me, on a Friday night, and starts out with, "I'm not mad, BUT..." and confronted me about the supplies and meeting with M, and that I should tell him who I am talking to in his department. I told him that he was my advisor, not my parent, and I can talk to whomever I wish. I had forwarded the email to NP, who had also received an email, but a considerably more polite one. NP was thrilled that I was talking to other experts for their input, R seems to be threatened. Did I step on toes? Am I not supposed to ask for outside advice?

I don't know if this happens alot, and if I should just suck it up and deal. I know two other grad students who deal with R, one who has him as an advisor, and the other has him on her committee. The one that he advises, L, is having huge problems, as he has just left her to fend for herself. The other one has found him to be pompous. L said that he calls and yells at her as well, and that when she goes to his office he is sympathetic, but not helpful.

R was already kicked off of one committee that we know of, and R's major professor did not recommend him for his current position. He has not published since he arrived 3 years ago, and has received an ultimatum from his department head. I think he is clinging to my project because of the travel aspect and because of the publishing potential. I question his value as a contributor for this project, and could probably pick up M in his place. M has been here one year less than R, but has published 6 papers since her arrival. Has anyone else experienced this particular flavor of hell? Any thoughts or opinions as to how to handle this? I apologize for the length, but I wanted to give an idea of the situation. This is completely stressing me out.

Till tenure do us part?

phaded — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:11:17 -0800

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? I'll [hopefully] be graduating college at the end of this semester. One thing I've noticed during my four years of college is that very few of the professors I've had have worn wedding rings. I'm sure some of the professors I've had haven't been married; however, a good number of them mention their husband or wife during the course of a semester, and yet I've seen maybe two or three of them wearing any sort of rings--wedding rings included. This isn't a case of just one school, either; I'm on my fourth school (yes, fourth; I've transferred a few times), and I've noticed it at each of the four. Is this just a coincidence, as I suspect, or is there some unspoken rule in academia about wearing a wedding ring? This can be filed under ObservationFilter or CuriosityFilter, I suppose.

Adjunct Instructor, Lecturer, Professor...?

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:49:22 -0800

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?

How do I let him know I'm interested?

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:45:49 -0800

How do I go about hitting on (and sleeping with) a man with whom I have an unequal power relationship? (Asking anonymously because too many people in my program use AskMe and I'd like to keep this on the down low.)

Background: I am working toward my Master's in a relatively small program at a relatively large university. It's a two year program, and I am in my first year. He's a professor in my program. I currently have him for class, but will not next semester, although I may in the future.

Simply put, I am incredibly attracted to him and I want to have sex with him. I have no idea how to initiate this, or anything, with this man. A few things:

1. This is in absolutely no way related to my grade. I'm getting an A in the class I have with him and don't need any help in that department.

2. He has gone through a divorce within the last year or so. His wife lives in a different state.

3. I live with my significant other. Before you get on your moral high-horse, we have a quietly open relationship. Quietly means that nobody knows that it's an open relationship. It's just easier that way. I would prefer to keep it that way.

4. He is about 15 or so years older than me. The age difference doesn't bother me.

5. I have no interest whatsoever in a relationship with this man. I just want to have unannounced casual sex with him.

My gut reaction is to start inviting him out for coffee or other such things (it's very normal for students in my graduate program to socialize in such ways with their professors), and see if I can subtly let him know I'd be interested. But I'm not so good at being subtle, and I'm not so good at picking up signals that other people are giving off.

The question, then, is how can I let him know I'd be interested in sleeping with him, without crossing any sexual harassment lines? Is it too sticky of a situation to even attempt? What would you do?

As a side note, please avoid moral judgments about me, the situation, or my relationship. They're unwanted and unwelcome, unless they somehow relate to this specific situation.

throw away email: sleepwithprof@gmail.com

Who was this peripatetic observer of suburbia that I heard on NPR so long ago?

jquinby — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:29:15 -0800

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? ...and when I say 'some time ago', either on Morning Edition or All Things Considered.

My google-fu has failed me, as has a search of NPR's site. The story seemed specifically about these walks he would make with his students, pointing out things in the landscape and visible infrastructure that might be otherwise missed.

In one case, he pointed out some interesting things about the overhead power/phone/cable lines.

In another example, he pointed out that surveying flags were starting to pop up alongside old railroad lines and in other areas. From this he made some predictions about future development of these (apparently) long-neglected areas.

Does this ring any bells with anyone? Who was this man, and where can I learn more about him? Was it possibly Christopher Alexander? My impression from memory was that interviewee was somewhat older, and I don't recall him speaking with any sort of accent. He may have been either a professor of architecture, or possibly urban planning.

It seems to have been one of those stories that stuck with me for a long time, because it has since changed the way I observe the man-made objects in my local area - overhead wires, pipelines, rail lines, oddball antennas, and so on. It's gnawed at me since that I don't know who this was.

Should I contact him, or leave it alone?

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:19:36 -0800

Should I contact him, or leave it alone? Ten years ago, during my first semester in college I ended up nearly failing an introductory-level class (I think I got a D), for a number of reasons (lack of study skills, difficult transition to university, etc.). However, that class remains one of the most influential and memorable experiences of my time as an undergrad.

It wasn't the class itself that made such an impact, but rather the professor (and now you can see where this is going...). He had finished his PhD the spring before, and was about ten years older than me (I was 18 at the time).

I signed up for the class, chose a random section out of dozens of possibilities, and ended up with this professor, L. Who, of course, I soon developed a crush on. He had a personality that was indescribably attractive to me. The fact that he clearly took pleasure in areas both within and outside of his field was very appealing. Further, L. demonstrated a passion for his work, and I admired that very much (and still do...it's something that draws me to people to this day). He wasn't the greatest teacher, told us that what we were learning in the class was basically useless (and he was right!), and was forthright in ways that I liked very much (though I'm sure not everyone did). I found him attractive (though really I think this was due more to his personality than his looks), and the fact that he was from a different country fascinated me as well (again, I was 18 at the time...). Beyond these mudane facts, I can't really say why he captured my imagination so much, but I'm sure you can all relate.

Fast forward to today. I've had a few relationships, have dated here and there, and remain who I've always been: a fairly quiet, introspective person who enjoys spending a lot of time alone, knows who she is and is happy with that, and is curious about the world around her. I'm not in a relationship now, though there is a guy I've known for 5 years with whom I have what we refer to as an inexplicable and confusing connection (he's never wanted to commit to anything, though, so that's that). Through the years, I've occasionally thought about L. and daydreamed about what might happen if I got in touch with him. Obviously I have a crush on him (though I only think about it from time to time), but L. is also someone who inspired me to follow my own passion and in that way one of the best "teachers" I've ever had.

I want L. to know what an important influence he's had on my life, but I'm very well aware that this is not my only reason for wanting to contact him. If it was only about him having inspired me, I would have sent him an email long ago. The fact is, he intrigued me then, and continues to do so. I know that at the time, I was very young, very impressionable, and that this played a huge role in my crush. What I can't figure out is why it has stayed with me all these years, even as relationships, casual dates, and other crushes have come and gone. I've certainly idealized what a relationship with L. would be like, but I also think that if I met him today I'd still be very interested in him.

I realize that by emailing him I risk embarrassing myself (and, possibly, him), but there is absolutely no relationship there at all that I'd be jeopardizing. We work in completely different fields, so it's extremely unlikely that I'd ever see him in person. I might destroy my daydreams about him if I contact him, but at this point I think I'd rather do that than always wonder "what if?"

If it helps, I am currently in the middle of working on my PhD and live in southern California. He now lives in Mexico, and as far as I know (which is not very far) is not married. I have no idea if he ever thought of me "in that way" (or otherwise). It's possible, but doubtful. I don't know if he'd remember me.

Would it be too weird to send him a note like this (adapted from this post)?

Dear [name],

I'm [name]; I'm not sure if you remember me but I was in your [subject] class in [semester] [year] at [university]. I hope you're doing well!

I'm in grad school now (working on a PhD in [subject]), reminiscing about my career and professors who have inspired me over the years, and thought I'd drop you a note. Though I did horribly in the course, your passion for your work shone through your teaching of a tedious class. I've always remembered that, and your example was one factor that inspired me to pursue my own passion.

If you're ever in [city] and would like to meet over tea/coffee, please let me know. I'd love to have a chat and thank you in person for the positive influence you've had on my life.

Anyway, I thought I'd get in touch and check how things have been.

Take care,
[name]

I don't think an email like this would be out of line, and I have nothing to lose. It's purposefully ambiguous; L. could read whatever he wants into my interest in seeing him, and he wouldn't feel obligated to respond.

I don't really expect anything to come of this, though of course I'd be delighted if it did. To my mind, the worst that could happen is that L. ignores the email altogether. And the best? Well, you know...! Although I'm a fairly introverted person, in matters of the heart I tend to take risks that some people wouldn't. Life is too short not to take those risks, in my opinion.

Please give me your input on what you think I should do (if anything). I'm wondering if there are any perspectives that I haven't considered or potential outcomes I haven't thought of - and if anyone else has been in a similar situation I'd love to hear your story. (I tried searching for a similar question, but the ones I found were only vaguely related - e.g., here, here, and here.)

Advice for starting a tenure track science job.

lalochezia — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 08:02:13 -0800

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? If you know of any links that address this issue, particularly for scientists, let me know. Also: please fwd this to science profs. that you know!

Advice wanted: I'm starting at a masters comprehensive uni as a tenure-track chemistry professor. I've started pre-ordering my lab equipment, planning my first experiments and reading the university handbook. I've got a place to live, and have essentially written 80% of my first semesters lectures and most of my first grant. I move there in 3 weeks and formally start in 10 weeks.

What did you do, or wish you did, when starting a new job as far as planning, organising, meeting people, setting up rules, finding out about the unwritten rules, the whole echt I'm-making-my-career-the-way-I want it-to-be-and-starting-it-off-right.

Also, what actions did you take or wished you took when leaving your postdoctoral/previous institution? Questions you'd asked? Alliances you'd kept? Philosophies taken or discarded?

I'm asking for advice that can range from the philosophical to the "don't forget your lab keys" . Any and all advice gratefully received.

Please help me to make an ~~impression~~

exlotuseater — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 04:07:19 -0800

Men's FashionFilter: I need to ~~update my~~ develop a wardrobe for the Fall and after. I am a ~30 yr. old male, 6', ~130 lbs. I'm a grad student and am going to begin teaching this in late August/ September; I would like to learn to dress a little more professionally (yet edgy, if possible-- not completely traditional or "buttoned-down"), and to this end I need your advice on what to buy. For the sake of the question, assume that I have no clothes at all, and am going into this Tabula Rasa.

Also assume that I have a limited budget-- I am willing to spend a bit to have a stock set of interchangable basics, that I can then accessorize and build upon over time, but I can't go crazy. Also understand that I don't care at all about labels-- I'm interested in good clothes that won't fall apart, but clean and label-less is good.

If it matters, I have very short hair (buzzed #1), a moustache, and small goatee that I generally keep well-groomed and close-cropped. pics here.

I want everyone to say "whoa. He cleans up nice."

How to be a good and sane professor in a crazy research world

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2007 21:49:01 -0800

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! This year has been harder than I expected. It's like going from one super Big Gulp of a responsibility to seven or eight Larges, and my tray can only handle three of any size. I need to figure out what responsibilities really are a priority, and what things people (in real life, not in hypothetical perfect world) put on the back burner. Right now, everything is falling apart because it's too much and I'm losing it. I have a major revision to do, but some review deadlines are sooner so those come first (can't disappoint important senior editors), but conference deadlines to get new stuff going are 3 weeks away, and meanwhile students are at my door and grades are due tomorrow and school emails are piling up and classes need to be planned for the Fall (already!) and I have to read the textbooks before that (so my evaluations are a little better next year) and promises for lunch with research contacts have been made and I still have email 'are you alive?' messages 3 months old already from friends to reply to, and my god this all just makes me wish I drank. I am mentally overwhelmed and so my mind is shutting down, and that's not helping much. How the heck do people do it? What are the right and wrong moves? What are the tricks? Is software or a magic gadget the answer? This is a trial by drowning, and I'm hoping that the Metafilter crowd can make it easier. For reasons obvious to any academic, I can't be too open and honest with the local crowd since they determine my future and image means a lot. Please help me create a competant, if not accomplished, image so in a couple years I will be one of those awing the new hires, instead of the cautionary tale I currently am reading Metafilter all day hiding in my office behind closed door with the lights off.

Will grad school indecision leave a poor first impression?

fermion — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:13:53 -0800

Should I introduce myself to potential graduate school advisors at the earliest opportunity, or wait until I'm better prepared and less indecisive? I'm going to be visiting some schools in New York with an eye to possibly doing graduate study there. However, I'm pretty early in the grad school process. I have yet to take the all-important step of Deciding What I Want To Study. Oceanography or some type of climate physics is the current frontrunner, but computer science and civil engineering are competing for my attention, and all the cool kids are into molecular biology these days...

I've been too busy the last few months (GREs, major work projects, travel) to give these subjects the attention they deserve, and I am woefully ill-prepared to discuss any of them at length. My undergrad degree is in physics, from a reasonably well-regarded but rather obscure liberal arts college. I'm currently two years into a job outside my field; I anticipate needing to do a bit of catch-up undergrad work before I enter any science grad program, and I feel this is also apt to be a count against me.

I want to know whether I should actually talk to the faculty at the departments I'm interested in. Will they be impressed at my initiative, or will my indecisiveness and paucity of prior research leave a poor first impression? Since a good advisor can make or break a graduate education, I like the idea of getting to meet professors and learn more about their areas of interest. However, I don't want to hurt my chances of admission by doing so.

So: do I try to get in touch with professors, or just check out the campuses now and make my personal contacts after I've done my research and gathered my thoughts?

Help me become a Fine Arts Professor, or else help me back away humbly.

flibbertigibbet — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 00:57:48 -0800

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? I've always wanted to do art, and to teach. I've read all the other threads on "I want to become a professor", and a few things stuck:

a) you need good grads
b) you need good papers
c) you need good recommendations
d) you need to be from a top-tier school.

Now, substitute "papers" or "shows", and it sounds about right. But is it really like that in the Fine Arts? Do you have more fine artists scrambling for professorships, as in English or history, or moving to Berlin to practice?

I can find next-to-nothing about ranking the various MFA programs, so short of the asking professors -- which I can't do for awhile because of certain logistic issues -- I have no idea how to get to that professorship.

So.

1) Is it possible to attend a "top-tier" MFA school in Ontario and Quebec? (Yes, Concordia is good, but I have no idea how to stacks up to NSCAD for graduate studies, and I have no idea how NSCAD stacks up to Emily Carr, etc). I'd really prefer to take my MFA in Ontario or Quebec; barring that, the Maritimes are OK. Hiking out to BC isn't very appetizing, but if it's necessary, so be it. Heck, my dream job is probably at Concordia itself, as I adore Montreal.

2) And even if I do attend a top-tier MFA school, am I likely to get a job teaching at a university in some way, shape or form within 3-5 years of getting my MA?

3) What other key component am I missing in this equation?

How to get to know a professor?

champthom — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 06:10:46 -0800

How do I get to know my professors better (without coming off as a brown noser)? I'm a college student and after much reflection and nearly having a major mental crisis, I finally switched majors from software engineering to economics. Classes for the new quarter start tomorrow and with my new major, I want to get a new start, so to speak.

Anyway, since I want to go to grad school (and my GPA isn't so well at the moment and even if I get all A's until graduation, I'll only have about a 3.4 GPA by then), and since it'd help for getting a job, I really could use a nice recommendation from a professor. However, my problem is - how do I go about getting to know a professor such that it could result in a good letter of recommendation or just a "connection"?

I know that it's important to "get to know your professor" but I've found it rather difficult for me, the fact that I'm rather shy aside. I know that just doing well in the class works, but I don't know how someone who only sees me once or twice a week for ten weeks and who might only grade one or two multiple choice or short answer tests can really know me. Furthermore, I'm usually not the type who asks a lot of questiosn as I usually understand what the professor is saying or if I don't, it's usually because I've been slacking off (I intend to change the latter, of course). Also, I don't want to come off like a brown noser by e-mailing them all the time or something like that.

So, how can I get to know my professors better?

Thanks in advance. This is my first question and I hope it wasn't too detailed.

Who is the anti-Lawrence Lessig in relation to US copyright?

evadery — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:29:35 -0800

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? I'm specifically interested not in anti-lessig professors, but professors who are arguing to mantain or strengthen copyright laws as opposed to loosening them. While I am specifically looking for US law professors, if you could direct me to papers or books, it would be helpful. I have access to the usual research avenues of law students.

And last, yes I know that Lessig isn't anti-copyright. I just couldn't think of the anthesis of 'pro-user's rights'. Let's not dwell on this, please.

Thanks!

How to deal with idiot professors

baking soda — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:04:35 -0800

Verbally bitchslapping a professor via email: can I get in trouble? I wont be doing it anonymously, I am not going to lose my head, but it is going to be a brutal diss of an email and I can see myself possibly getting in trouble for writing such a 'nasty' email. (It's all relative, it isn't really that nasty). I just wondered if anyone knows if this is within my rights or can the professor unilaterally drop me from the course from one email telling her to get her act together. I am at a Canadian University.

Art Teachers ... what should i do

matimer — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:43:03 -0800

Should college art professors have an outside career in their field of arts aside from teaching? Im a new young art teacher at a university. I went to gradschool and have had little time outside the academia world of art. Im beggining to wonder if it is important that i try to make a name for myself in the art world outside of academia. Is it necessary to be involved in the art world outside of acdemia to succeed as a teacher?

Resuming research work with an ex-professor?

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 13:08:50 -0800

How do I re-establish a research relationship with a professor I kinda-sorta worked with in college a few years ago? While working on my bachelor's a few years ago, I had managed to secure a spot on a student research team. This team worked closely with a professor who was respectable in his research area. They worked on projects that I found really interesting. After a while, the pressures of other courses were too great, and I just didn't have time to work with (or even attend) the research group anymore. I also felt like I couldn't contribute much to the group; I was unsure my ideas would go over well with the group. I was worried if I was up to par for this talented group. I ended up not talking to this professor after a while.

Now, I'm regretting it. I would like to change jobs, but one thing lacking on my CV is a research project. Since I am genuinely interested in the work that this professor does, and since a project on my CV wouldn't hurt either, is it possible to try again?

First, did I totally burn the bridge here? Do I have a chance in hell after not talking to this professor for so long? I ended up creating this cycle, where, I wanted to talk to them, but I didn't because it had been so long since we had spoken. So I decided that this wasn't the right time, but then it got longer, and longer, until it got to the point where I figured they just wouldn't want to see me anymore. How can I convince the professor that I genuinely do want to work with them, and that it was never my intention to blow them off?

Second, do professors generally work with people who are not involved in academia any longer? I would not be registering as a student, but I would still like to collaborate on a project or, at least, join a team who is already collaborating on a project with this professor. Are professors generally welcome to this idea? Does it matter if the person is employed/unemployed/between jobs? Employed in an industrial research position vs. a traditional industry position?

Smarter than your professor?

blueplasticfish — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 11:26:30 -0800

How do you handle a college professor that you're smarter than? I have an instructor for an "Information Systems" class that seems to lack a certain amount of expertise in the industry. I am not a know it all, but I do have a certain amount of experience in this field.

I have received low grades on assignments because he's never heard of the technology I write about (Ruby on Rails, Digg, SugarCRM).

What is the best way to still get a good grade, and get him to at least research a little before giving me a low grade?

salvaging an old professional relationship ...or not

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 04:36:38 -0800

Does my flaky departure and subsequent lack of fame / distinction make corresponding a no-no with this former professional associate? A few years ago, I worked with a professor and a student group on a research project. My reliability and dedication apparently impressed the prof, and I was liked. However, once the project ended and a new one began, there was really no role for me to take. The prof said that if I could come up with an idea, they would work on it with me. Basically, I never came up with anything. The prof offered me a role on their project, but I wasn't proactive enough to find an area of it that needed my services. I stopped going, they stopped contacting me.

I've felt badly ever since, especially because I really admired this prof. I'd like to make contact now and maybe correspond from time to time, but I'm embarassed at how things ended. I'm also embarassed because I haven't achieved the fame / distinction of most of his other students. Many students wanted to work with him, and he picked me, and I feel like I "wasted" his efforts because I haven't gone on to become anything too distinguished.

So do I make contact anyway, or does my flaky departure and subsequent lack of fame make correspondence an etiquette no-no? If I do make contact, what do I say after all this time?

Help me speak Welsh!

amtho — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 13:02:32 -0800

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. I tried looking for Welsh-language teachers on the UNC web site, but no luck. I found an older AskMetafilter thread about free online resources for learning Welsh, and that's going to be helpful, but I'm really looking for a person whom I can somehow persuade to come to my gathering.

Any ideas on how to throw a "learn-to-pronounce-Welsh" party would be welcome. I also hope to find some nice things to read out loud. I'm a singer, so songs might be nice, too.

What can you tell me about being a PoliSci prof.?

matkline — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 17:00:14 -0800

I want to become a professor of political science. What do I need to know? Any general knowledge would be appreciated, but I have these specific questions:

1. I've always envisioned myself working abroad. Would this be possible? How?

2. How does a professor's typical day look, especially in terms of time teaching, preparing, researching, etc.?

3. What things do I need to do/grades do I need to get in Undergrad to be able to realistically pursue this goal?

4. I've heard finding work as a professor has become very difficult. Is this true? If so, will my status as an under represented minority be of any value?

How do I ask a stranger for advice?

kalimac — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 08:33:46 -0800

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. So far I'm following the basic outline of introducing myself, giving the school and year I graduated, and telling them what my major area[s] of interest is[are], as well as what degree I'll be pursuing (Ph.D. in American schools and MSc by Research in the two British schools I've found). I then give a short paragraph detailing past research that fits with these interests (papers I've written, particular people I've studied), following up with another short paragraph (2-3 sentences) politely asking for any advice they can give about my studies. Is there anything else I should be including? Anything I should leave out?

Thank you!

What should I use for a blog in my classroom, and why?

fionab — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 15:53:47 -0800

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. What should I use?
- Blogger has a free version, with "team blog" as an option, and it looks like a Microsoft Word plug-in or something. This looks pretty attractive. What is the downside of Blogger? Privacy? Ads? The searchbar? Support?

- Moveable Type has educational pricing at $40 for my needs, but is it rather difficult to install, customize, set-up, etc.? I don't know anything beyond very basic HTML; I'm pretty techno-savvy [as in, I can do lots of stuff on computers and other gadgets but no programming] so I could follow instructions, but as the semester has already started, I don't want to put oodles of time into this. Is there a way to have it ready-to-go for me instead?

- I use TypePad for my (currently neglected) blog, so I'm familiar with their process and keys, but don't see how it would work for our class right now. Could it? With 5+ members?

- What about Drupal?

- What else should I consider? I found this old thread, but I know that the last year-and-a-half has been busy in the blogging industry and educational blogging. What do I need to know about blogging with my class? Dangers? Advice? Good grades for all who respond!