We call them doctor or professor, we send them polite emails, we smile sweetly when we see them in the hallways. They are markers of legitimacy and success, and a reminder to all of us that if we work hard enough we can be where they are one day. We give them an unprecedented amount of respect, but what do we get in return?
Up until recently, these power dynamics have been justified by the common phrase “that’s just the way it is”, but maybe we can push for better. Just because Professors have power doesn’t mean it should be abused or go without accountability. As a student, I am growing tired of empty promises. Even if we adore our professors, sometimes they can still make us want to pull our hair out. Here are 5 common white lies all professors tell:
1. “What we covered in class will be on the exam.”
Except it’s not. It’s that small section that was in the textbook in the first week of class that the professor deemed insignificant to the course. That is of course until there happens to be a 20 mark long answer question on it. I’m all for studying hard, but I expect a fair exam. Why are you trying to make our lives miserable? We hang onto every last word you say and trust you when you tell us what will or will not be on an exam. Don’t trick us. Common.
2. “Your marks will be posted by the end of the week.”
What week were you referring to exactly? The last one of the year? How many times have I obsessively checked my campus online portal in the last 24 hours? More than I care to admit, and each time I am filled with the sinking disappointment that yet again, they haven’t posted the grades. I understand Professors are super busy, and I can’t imagine their hectic schedule, but lets try not to make empty promises and give your students killer anxiety and carpal tunnel syndrome clicking ‘refresh’.
3. “I’ll be in my office from 2:30 – 3:30.”
Is that so? That’s odd, because I recall camping outside your door for hours and not seeing your face. Did you forget? Are you in the bathroom? Did a piano fall on you? Your time is valuable, I get it. But so is mine; don’t waste it. Please be there when you say you’re going to be there. I hate having to re-arrange my schedule to meet with you or having to wait another week for an urgent matter because you were a no-show. The amount of worrying and anxiety that comes from this is really damaging.
4. “This textbook is required.”
LIES. In your first years of University, you will be rigorous in ensuring you have every single textbook listed for your courses. However, as you move along in your University career, you quickly learn that this sentiment is absolute bullshit. Let’s not forget that Universities are first and foremost businesses, and textbooks are a complete money grab. I haven’t boughten a textbook in quite some time. Plus, if you need the textbook for one lecture, there are so many resources at the library and online to find what you need.
5. “This is not a paper you can write the night before”
Wanna bet? Listen, I know ideally students will have a beautifully organized day planner and calendar with everything perfectly time managed, but this is the real world. Students are under so much pressure to do well and to keep their GPA up, and sometimes that paper gets thrown on the back burner. While it’s always nice to have an extra day to read things over and edit your work, sometimes we just don’t have the time. Some people just work better under pressure. That A paper I did in less than 5 hours one time, yeah, that’s what lets me know that it is possible.
I’m sure our Professors could write a list of a million things students do to piss them off, but we already know students are idiots. Our professors are a large part of our academic experience in University. We’re learning, making our way in this world, ‘adulting’ and we look up to people like our professors to show us the way. Students are under so much pressure to succeed, and we would really love if our professors stopped telling us these white-lies!
Featured image via fauxels on Pexels
