Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Student Life

Media Credit: Derek Wehrwein

As the semester kicks off, students have new classes to get familiar with and new professors to get to know. By the end of the first class, students have usually picked up the syllabus, gotten a feel for what to expect from the course and met their professor.

One of the first things professors do on the initial day of classes is introduce themselves. Depending on the professor, they might introduce themselves by first name and last name, or use professional titles such as Dr. or Ph.D. Also common are gender-specific titles like Mr. and Ms, though the majority of professors seem to be comfortable with students referring to them casually.

"Effective learning occurs by breaking down barriers, and we create artificial barriers by way of titles," said assistant professor of sociology and Ph.D Dennis Waskul. Although Waskul admitted there are situations when titles are appropriate, such as formal events or circumstances when professors are being credited, he said he couldn't find any disadvantages to students using his first name.

"I am aware of my title and don't need constant reminders," he said. "Titles divide and what I'd like to achieve is a cooperation with my students to, together, inspire one-another, learn from each other, share what we know, and help one another to see the mutual strengths and weaknesses of what (and how) we know."

At least some students seem to appreciate that they can refer to professors on the same level that they refer to their peers.

"I like it when professors allow students to call them by their first name because I really feel that students learn better that way," sophomore theatre major Meredith Larson said. "I think it has to do with each individual professor, and if they want students to relate to them as an authority figure or an equal."

Dr. Wayne E. Allen, chair of the department of Ethnic Studies, firmly prefers that students address him as "Dr. Allen" or "Professor Allen."

"It has to do with professional conduct and understanding - it's about professional manners," Allen said. "Manners are lacking as a result of mass media and public technology," he added. "It's not a power trip… it's a necessary sign of mutual respect in an educational setting." Allen also said he feels part of what students should be learning at a university is "manners and how to conduct ourselves as professionals… I try to practice what I preach."

Don Larsson, a professor in the English department and the president of the MSU Faculty Association, said that when hiring professors, "the university looks for the highest level of education that can be achieved within the area of specialization they are in." Depending on the department and position available, different levels of education may be acceptable, but ideally, the university looks for candidates to have achieved their doctorate degree, the highest level of education to be achieved.


Nicole Smith is a Reporter staff writer

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