Cultivating a Respectful Mutual Relationship With Your Professors


  

The relationships we develop with professors during our college experience are critical to both academic and personal success. Maintaining communication based on mutual respect is essential—not only for fostering a healthy learning environment but also for resolving conflicts professionally and effectively. Throughout my university journey, I faced challenges that taught me the importance of standing up for my rights and acting firmly without losing courtesy. Below, I share some of those moments and the lessons I learned in the process. I have always strived to ensure that my relationships with teachers remain cordial and respectful. As students, our responsibility is to complete assignments, study diligently, and follow teachers' instructions within the framework of what is fair and legal. However, this does not mean tolerating discrimination or disrespect in any form.

During my studies at Broward College, I encountered an incident where I observed unequal treatment toward a classmate who submitted assignments late yet received better grades than I did, despite my punctuality and consistent attendance. Respectfully, I approached my teacher and asked her to reevaluate my grade. Her response was positive, demonstrating that raising concerns in a respectful manner can lead to satisfactory solutions. Another challenge arose during my final semester of undergraduate studies at Florida Atlantic University. The university attempted to withhold credit from my diploma issued by Broward College, requiring me to take an additional class to graduate. This would have delayed both my graduation and entry into a master’s program. After researching and consulting with trusted professors, I discovered that the university was obligated to accept all credits associated with my diploma. I defended my position with my counselor, and my rights were upheld without the need to take the extra class. This experience taught me that understanding the rules and assertively advocating for them can make all the difference.

In another instance, during my first master’s program, a professor publicly reprimanded me for an error in an assignment. Although I felt humiliated, I remained calm and addressed her privately after class. I reminded her that, as an adult student, I deserved to be treated with professionalism and requested that future corrections be handled privately. This direct and respectful conversation resolved the issue and established a mutual understanding. A more complex case occurred during a class discussion when I respectfully disagreed with a professor on an academic topic. Following this interaction, I noticed a decline in my grades, which I interpreted as retaliation for my dissent. I initiated a formal academic grievance process, detailing the facts and asserting that my rights to freedom of expression and academic freedom had been violated. The process culminated with the dean’s support, ensuring my grades were rectified and reaffirming the university’s commitment to respect and freedom within the academic environment.

These experiences with my professors taught me the importance of acting firmly and professionally to defend my rights as a student. In academia, mutual respect is not just desirable—it is necessary to build a fair and supportive learning environment. As adult learners, it is crucial to remember that our efforts and rights deserve recognition, regardless of potential barriers such as language or age. Education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about learning to confront and overcome adversity with integrity and resilience.


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Building a Strong Bond With Your Counselor here

Guiding Futures: the Role of a Student Counselor here

International Credit Transfers Made Simple here

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