Appropriate Address for Professors: Guidelines for Students

As a student in higher education, it's important to understand the proper ways to address your professors. In the US at least, practices can vary significantly from one college or university to another. This guide aims to provide clarity and ensure you are respectful and professional in your interactions with your professors.

General Guidelines

The most important aspect of addressing professors is professionalism. Harvard University's Academic Resource Center states: 'If your instructor has told you how to address them, use their preferred title. If they haven’t and you’re not sure what their title is, err on the side of promoting them.' This means that it's generally safer to address anyone with an academic role as 'Professor' or 'Dr.' if they hold a doctorate degree.

Remember, addressing a professor as 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' when they hold a doctorate can be seen as demeaning. However, no professor will be offended if you call them 'Professor' or 'Dr.' This shows your respect for their professional role, regardless of their gender or social title.

Professional Titles and Etiquette

Once a professor, always a professor. Even if you know a professor personally or they prefer something else, you should continue to use the professional title 'Professor' in all formal settings, such as emails and correspondence. The fact that a professor has retired should not change how they are addressed in professional contexts.

For emails that are shared with other people, maintaining the title 'Professor' is especially important. Once a professor has retired and all professional contacts have been closed, it is acceptable to revert to a more personal form of address, such as 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' in person or in informal written communication. However, for shared or formal communications, the appropriate title remains 'Professor'.

Respecting Individual Preferences

While there are general guidelines, it's always respectful to ask about your instructor's preference. If a professor explicitly tells you to use another title, such as 'So and So,' follow their instructions. However, if they haven't specified, it's best to err on the side of professionalism by using 'Professor.' Being presumptuous by using a more informal title is not advisable, as it can lead to misunderstandings and unintentional disrespect.

Always address your professors as 'Doctor,' 'Mr.,' or 'Ms.' in both correspondence and conversation to maintain a professional environment and ensure that your interactions are taken seriously.

Conclusion

Respecting the appropriate titles for your professors is a vital aspect of academic etiquette and professionalism. By maintaining these guidelines, you show your respect for your professors' hard work and expertise, and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a professional environment in your academic pursuits.