You know the tweed jackets with leather or suede elbow patches called? They're stereotypically worn by professors. Do they have a particular name? Where can I find one?
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posted by Quizicalcoatl
on Dec 30, 2009 -
13 answers
I suspect one of my undergraduate professors is writing an article based on an idea I proposed to him last spring that he intends to submit for publication in a literary journal. What should I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 15, 2009 -
37 answers
Grad school application crisis: one of my professors who agreed to write a recommendation is completely flaking out. I've tried my best to communicate my needs, but she seems either too busy or suddenly, inexplicably disinterested in cooperating. I don't want to alienate her but I don't want to get screwed over when one of my references went off the grid.
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posted by zoomorphic
on Dec 10, 2009 -
30 answers
My University's Engineering Faculty offers a certificate program entitled "Prospective Professors in Training." Please help me inventory similar professional development programs at other institutions that prepare soon-to-be faculty members (i.e. grad students) for the ins-and-outs of an academic position.
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posted by Cody's Keeper
on Dec 6, 2009 -
6 answers
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?
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posted by anonymous
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?
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posted by Baethan
on Jun 1, 2009 -
75 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?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 21, 2009 -
55 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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 28, 2008 -
50 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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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...
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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?
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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?
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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?
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posted by jquinby
on Oct 10, 2007 -
12 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?
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posted by lalochezia
on Jul 3, 2007 -
6 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!
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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?
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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?
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posted by flibbertigibbet
on Dec 31, 2006 -
4 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?
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posted by evadery
on Nov 29, 2006 -
10 answers
Should college art professors have an outside career in their field of arts aside from teaching?
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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?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 25, 2006 -
13 answers
Does my flaky departure and subsequent lack of fame / distinction make corresponding a no-no with this former professional associate?
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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.
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posted by amtho
on Jul 16, 2006 -
7 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.
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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.
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posted by fionab
on Aug 31, 2005 -
14 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
