College Classroom Etiquette 101 and the Grandma Rule

“Push ‘em back, push ‘em back. Waaay back?” Cheers like that are normal at a football game but frowned upon at the library. The rules of proper behavior change depending on the situation. So, for all of you who will be going to college for the first time this year, what are the rules for the college classroom? How should you communicate with your profs? Here are five tips — suggested by professors — that can lead to a successful freshman year. Remember you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

1. Get to class on time. Actually arrive a few minutes early so you can pick out a seat. If you arrive late, you distract other students and the professor. It’s not only rude, it could affect your grade.

2. Put your cellphone on vibrate. A ringing cellphone distracts the class. And, of course, don’t make any calls during class. That would be disrespectful, to put it mildly.

3. Don’t text or email during class. Not only will you miss what the professor is saying but if the professor spots you, he or she won’t appreciate it. And, later, when you go to the professor to say you don’t understand something, don’t be surprised if your prof tells you to pay better attention in class.

4. When you speak in class, remember where you are. It’s not a football stadium, your dorm room or a pizza joint. Many words you may use in casual conversation shouldn’t be uttered in a classroom.

5. When speaking with your teachers, use their proper title. Do you call them professor, Doctor, Mr., Miss or Mrs? Your teachers will usually let you know. Your professors set the tone. If they want to be addressed as “doctor,” that’s what you do. If they say “call me professor,” do it. Some of your teachers may be assistant professors, associate professors, lecturers or instructors. Again, they’ll let you know how to address them. When in doubt, use professor. If they say they want to be called by their first name, I suggest you still refer to them as “professor” unless they insist on something less formal. Even then, refer to them as professor in class. Only address them less formally when speaking one on one in their office or some other campus setting. Anytime you and your professor are in a group setting with other students or other professors, address them by their formal title.

In summary, there are certain formalities you should abide by when interacting with your teachers in college. It’s not “sucking up,” it’s showing proper respect just as you would do with your doctor or religious leader.

One professor summed it best when she said, “show your professor the same respect you give your grandma. You talk and act differently when you're with your friends compared to when you’re with your grandma. Treat your professor with the same deference you give grandma." Remember the “Grandma Rule” and you’ll ace College Etiquette 101.

John Spiropoulos, B.A. - 3 time Emmy award winning TV news reporter
whose website — www.collegefreshmansurvival.com — is devoted to the
success of college freshman.