Things professors hate

As first generation and low income college students, you might not know what to expect from professors. Well, professors are human, and they have pet peeves just like everyone else. If you are doing any of the following bad behaviors, please, please, PLEASE, stop them immediately. These are things that professors hate, usually with a burning passion... and you don't want to have a burning passion of hate aimed at you, do you? (If your answer is yes, we need to talk!)

And now, the hate list:

• Asking "Is that going to be on the test?" or "Is that important?" 

Um, really? Just assume that everything that is covered in class and in textbooks is important and will be tested in some way. Asking this question shows that you are a minimalist trying to get away with doing as little as possible. Don't be a minimalist!

• Asking "How many pages do you want this paper to be?"

Chances are that the answer is in the syllabus anyway. Again, this is a question by a minimalist...

• Coming to class late or leaving early all the time.

Trust me, professors notice this sort of thing. If you must come to class late or leave early, let you professor know beforehand, apologize profusely, and sit close to an exit. Don't make a habit of it.

• Making excuses for your performance.

Remember, you're an adult. Act like it and admit when you're in the wrong. And, most importantly, work to correct it.

• Poor email etiquette. 

This means having too many typos, emailing your professors at the last minute, expecting immediate responses, and being overly casual in your emails. Although emails feel casual, think of them as professional correspondence, so spell check it, give your professor an appropriate amount of time to respond, and keep it professional.

• Eating noisy and smelly food during class.

Professors realize that sometimes you have to eat in class. It's a fact of life, just don't advertise it. Just say no to chips, pretzels, fish, or anything else that others can hear or smell. And this includes the packaging.

Like all the lists that I put together, this is by no means an exhaustive list of professor pet peeves. Some will hate more and some will hate less. Just act like an adult and be courteous and respectful, and you should be just fine.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask The Advisor about it.