This may be an unpopular #AcademicTwitter opinion, but I think it’s problematic when we let undergrads call us by first name in class. It opens door to ambiguity and variability, exacerbating women and faculty of color being nonconsensually first-named (or called Mr./Mrs.). 1/X

I know we might want to break down formal barriers, have undergrads feel they can approach us. I understand people have good motivations for a “you don’t need to call me Professor” classroom policy. But the precedent is likely to be disproportionately applied in biased ways. 2/X

I admit to having no data (always dangerous for a researcher to say), but my gut tells me white male instructors are those most likely to say, “eh, call me whatever you want.” It’s privilege (like I have) that allows one to take for granted student respect in this way. 3/X

If I say, “just call me Sam,” won’t some undergrads assume they can do that to other professors too? Don’t I put other professors in a bad situation, because now if they prefer otherwise or correct a student, they’re seen as on a “power trip” or “no fun”? 4/X

Judges don’t say, “No need for 'Your Honor'; just call me Steve.” And more importantly, I don’t see why “Professor” precludes one from creating an accessible, inclusive, comfortable, and even fun classroom. 5/X

Of course, another important issue is whether and how to correct the undergraduate student who takes it upon themselves to first-name or Mr./Mrs. you. I have opinions there too. Shocking, I know! 6/X

I always correct, but I try to be nice (usually). Please remember there are various reasons a student might not call you “Professor.” They may have little experience with higher ed. Cultural, socioeconomic, other demographic factors can play a role too. No need to humiliate. 7/X

Educate instead. I find that a good strategy is often: “Just so you know, it’s conventional to refer to your instructors as ‘Professor.’ If you don’t, someone might take offense, even if you don’t mean disrespect.” 8/X

Even better: spend time on the first day (especially in an intro course) stating explicitly some of the implicit norms of academia. Tell them what to call you and every other instructor they have. Explain what office hours means. How and when to contact you. Etc. 9/X

Best story ever? The student who asked if college was like Harry Potter and they were supposed to call us “Professor.” Yes and yes; it’s totally like Hogwarts! :) Answer with kindness and a smile. I’m mostly gratified that they felt comfortable asking. 10/X

And, yes, sometimes a more forceful response is called for. Like the time a student walked by me and nodded, “Professor,” and then went on to greet my co-instructor with “Mrs.” That has to be corrected—silence then is tacit approval. 11/X

This happened in private, after class, not in front of everyone, so discretion was possible. But it called for an immediate “Actually, before you leave, I need to talk to you about something.” Unfortunately, we all have many, many stories like this. 12/X

Students in your research lab calling you by first name? Feels different, though I don’t do it. The norms with grad students are definitely very different. But I honestly think a first-name policy in an undergraduate classroom causes more potential problems than it solves. 13/X

I’m sure some will read this and think: emotionally insecure academic wants to be lauded in public. I assure you, that’s not it. Hell, I coached little league sports for a decade; believe me, I can handle adults calling me pretty much anything in (or not in) the dictionary. 14/X

TL; DR: Not sure we’re doing anyone any favors by telling undergrads to call us by first name in class. It may seem like an act of kindness or connection or accessibility, but it can exacerbate disparities and problems that already exist. 15/X