Dear Student Who Sent Me Random Email With a Poorly Chosen Subject Heading,
You know what I don't like?
Being referred to as "Ms Gwinne" in an email. I find that DOUBLY offensive. While you are using "Ms" as an attempt at respect you show NO AWARENESS that such professional respect should come from a reference to my DEGREE not my gender and then you undermine your credibility even further by using my FIRST NAME which is a bad move considering you don't actually know me. I teach at a university, not at a preschool ballet studio. Nor did you make clear in the email what you really want from me. So I wrote (and then deleted) a snarky reply and promptly trashed the email. I have real work to do, for my real students, most of whom refer to me as Professor Last Name.
You know what I don't like?
Being referred to as "Ms Gwinne" in an email. I find that DOUBLY offensive. While you are using "Ms" as an attempt at respect you show NO AWARENESS that such professional respect should come from a reference to my DEGREE not my gender and then you undermine your credibility even further by using my FIRST NAME which is a bad move considering you don't actually know me. I teach at a university, not at a preschool ballet studio. Nor did you make clear in the email what you really want from me. So I wrote (and then deleted) a snarky reply and promptly trashed the email. I have real work to do, for my real students, most of whom refer to me as Professor Last Name.
It boggles my mind that people get to college without knowing basic things like how to email a professor. I guess high schools don't teach this skill?
ReplyDeleteThe one I wanted to stab in the eye was the one who would summon my attention in class by calling, "miss! Miss!" Very much as though I were a waitress. Even Miss First Name wouldn't have gotten me as badly, because I am a southerner and that usage is complex for us (though not ideal in that setting, no.)
ReplyDeleteI do try, especially with my community college freshmen, to give the benefit of the doubt to early emails, since I know I am coming from class privilege that they aren't and that my social skills reflect that. But after I have devoted class time and an email to calmly explaining how to write a respectful email and why it matters? Then I am just pissed.
I love how you said you are not a preschool ballet teacher.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a handout on email etiquette that I handed out. I don't now, but not because there isn't reason to do so. I spend so much time on student email...
ReplyDelete