Lecturer Email

LegacyUser

Hi,

I am not sure if this is appropriate for personal issues or not so please move it if it isn't.

I sat an exam last week for as part of my Masters. Then last night I got an email from my lecturer who had started correcting the exams. It was good news, he stated that he read my script, I made his day and he will be marking it very high and not everyone in my class did as well as me. He used a smiley face in the email too.

I have never been particularly close to this lecturer or anything, but even though I am happy that I know I have done well in that exam months before results are released, it has made me slightly uncomfortable.

I do not know should a lecturer be emailing me this or even indicating any results so soon after exams. I also feel uncomfortable in him saying my classmates did not do as well.

I am just wondering is it right to feel that this email was slightly inappropriate or do lecturers do this regularly?

Thanks in advance.

Bummer1234

I know lecturers have done this before to let the students mind at ease, People would worry months on end about how it went and sometimes are great full to hear these words.

So no...Its not the first time its been done.

MagicMarker

It's not inappropriate, and it goes without saying that some students will have done better than others. He was obviously very impressed with your exam and wanted you to know it.

Take it as the compliment it is and forget about it.

tinkerbell

It's a sad world we live in to say that a congratulatory comment from a lecturer on doing well in an exam is considered bad and makes someone uncomfortable. What kind of a world do we live in?! Seriously OP, get a grip. You did very well in an exam and the lecturer is pleased and thought you'd be pleased to know so you don't spend the next few weeks worrying about your exam result.

It may come as a shock to you but lecturers actually are happy (shock horror!) when their students do well as it also reflects well on the lecturer. I suggest you stop making mountains out of non existent molehills and thank the lecturer for the excellent news, then move on. I find it very bizarre that you find "congrats, you did great, better than others, smiley face" uncomfortable - it says more about your own issues tbh.

Saralee4

I agree with other posters op but there's nothing wrong with the fact that you felt a bit confused by it. Some lecturers treat the students like they are in secondary school, some act like you are crazy if you ask them for help, some treat them like equals so you kind of have to adapt to each lecturer.

I think what happened here is that he seen that you are smart and very interested and good at his subject and was impressed.

unless there has been any other thing in class to suggest otherwise?

fits

What? I lecture myself, (not full time) and I find this a bit strange and inappropriate. There is a procedure to go through for exams and letting people know their results before they are released isn't really on.

pookie82

Maybe he'd had a long day of correcting sh*t papers and yours was refreshing and he decided to drop you a nice line about it.

But it'd make me wary too, tbh. Doesn't your paper have to meet an external examiner's approval before the final mark is granted? If they mark it down considerably he's been foolish to prematurely congratulate you.

A bit irresponsible of him IMO.

MagicMarker

fits wrote: »

What? I lecture myself, (not full time) and I find this a bit strange and inappropriate. There is a procedure to go through for exams and letting people know their results before they are released isn't really on.

He didn't let her know her results, just that he's marking it high.

fits

MagicMarker wrote: »

He didn't let her know her results, just that he's marking it high.

Doesn't matter. It crosses a line that I don't think should be crossed. It would maybe be ok if they met accidentally and lecturer said OP did fine or well. But to go out of the way to email it, it just seems wrong somehow. Also, OP feels uncomfortable with it too.

zeffabelli

It may be unconventional but you are over reading it.

whatismyname

I've also worked in the exams side of academia, and it would be quite frowned upon... procedures on how things should be done, are there for a reason...

MagicMarker

whatismyname wrote: »

I've also worked in the exams side of academia, and it would be quite frowned upon... procedures on how things should be done, are there for a reason...

Are there procedures against telling a student you'll be marking them highly?

LegacyUser

If it was a secondary school exam I might see the issue but this is a for a masters so I'm not seeing the issue. Everyone involved is an adult and should be able to talk like adults. You weren't told the result OP just that you'd done very well and they didn't put down the other students only said you'd done better then them. Take the peace of mind that you've not failed the exam and move on.

Lollipops23

MagicMarker wrote: »

Are there procedures against telling a student you'll be marking them highly?

There is procedure against letting people know how they did ahead of time. It's favouritism.

LegacyUser

I've just finished a Masters. I find that behaviour you've described a bit odd, to be honest. Have never heard of it, and have never heard anyone I know either in college or going back to college, to do something like that.
I worked quite closely with a lecturer because I was doing the course part time while working and I have a family, so would have had a lot more communication with lecturers than most younger students in the college. I found out my results same way as everyone else, on the appointed date. My experience of college both before and recently would suggest to me that that lecturer is out of line in what he did. I wouldn't pass any comment on it myself if I were you, but I wouldn't be encouraging him in any future communications.

bmwguy

I did my degree a few years back and for the thesis part some students were asked to come and explain theirs to the entire department. Could be for a variety of reasons, misunderstandings, clarification, passing someone elses work as your own, anything really. Anyway, I was called to discuss mine so I asked why I was selected (only about 10 out of a course of 150) had to do this but my thesis marker told me it's because I had scored the highest out of the entire year and he had to justify my high score by demonstrating a complete understanding of the topic in front of other prominent department academics. So just like you I was told too, I was delighted and you should be too.

freshpopcorn

Most people I know would be delighted to know that they've done well and would be celebrating not posting there issue in boards.
What do you want to achieve from thi as thread. Do you want to be told to report him to the college for example.
One difference I've in countered with people who attend universitys and IT's is that IT lecteurs tend to be friendlier to there students.

silverfeather

I used to get similar emails from lecturers. I don't think you should over think it.

Saralee4

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Most people I know would be delighted to know that they've done well and would be celebrating not posting there issue in boards.
What do you want to achieve from thi as thread. Do you want to be told to report him to the college for example.
One difference I've in countered with people who attend universitys and IT's is that IT lecteurs tend to be friendlier to there students.

I'm sure op just wanted the opinion of posters and their experiences in college and relationship with lecturers. Nothing wrong with questioning something. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable that's all. She's not saying that's she's going to report it or anything. She just didn't know how to feel or how to react. Op, just say thanks to the lecture and your delighted that you did well as put a lot of work into your project keeping everything professional and no need to worry.

freshpopcorn

Saralee4 wrote: »

I'm sure op just wanted the opinion of posters and their experiences in college and relationship with lecturers. Nothing wrong with questioning something. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable that's all. She's not saying that's she's going to report it or anything. She just didn't know how to feel or how to react. Op, just say thanks to the lecture and your delighted that you did well as put a lot of work into your project keeping everything professional and no need to worry.

I never told the OP she was wrong. I just stated how most people I know would react.
Some people might feel it was appropriate to tell her to report him to the college if it was such an issue for her.

evolving_doors

bmwguy wrote: »

I did my degree a few years back and for the thesis part some students were asked to come and explain theirs to the entire department. Could be for a variety of reasons, misunderstandings, clarification, passing someone elses work as your own, anything really. Anyway, I was called to discuss mine so I asked why I was selected (only about 10 out of a course of 150) had to do this but my thesis marker told me it's because I had scored the highest out of the entire year and he had to justify my high score by demonstrating a complete understanding of the topic in front of other prominent department academics., So just like you I was told too, I was delighted and you should be too.

She hasn't been informed of a Viva voce though (unlike you).

In the heel of the hunt OP Id say its more sloppy practice than inappropriate. It appears to be a break in procedure simply for the fact that everyone isnt getting their results in the same manner.
Why should you get personal feedback/encouragement but others dont? Does their work not have any merit worth mentioning?
Maybe he needs to up his game if yours is the only one that deserves praise?
What would be the upshot if you told the rest of the class that you knew how they got on relative to you?
Is there a procedure for feedback when results are given? Shouldnt he stick to it?
Small point but did the lecturer use college email ?
Getting night time unexpected emails from someone you want to keep a professional relationship with is a bit 'familiar' but is probably innocent enough. If its a one off then think nothing of it.

I think though the above points are a bit loaded/extreme but they are justifiable reasons for any lecturer to 'stick to the script' when giving back work.

So as I said, probably not inappropriate, just maybe a little sloppy.

silverfeather

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I never told the OP she was wrong. I just stated how most people I know would react.
Some people might feel it was appropriate to tell her to report him to the college if it was such an issue for her.

We all both male and female students would go for drinks with both male a female lecturers as a group. There was never anything untoward about it. I met the partners of one or two. If the email was all it was and it was worded as it was. I wouldn't see anything in it. If there is more or some kind of a back story that is different. A smiley face in a work email might be odd then again it might not. It might depend on the environment.

If you feel awkward you feel awkward. I don't think there is anything to worry about.
I grant you it's a little over familiar. Whilst I did get emails perhaps there were no smiley faces. I agree at worst it's sloppy perhaps. I would wager it's not the first email that lecturer has written with such familiarity.

zeffabelli

I can't believe the paranoia on this thread.

For one thing you don't know that he hasn't emailed the other students also.

Secondly, some lecturers especially at post grad level have a different kind of relationship with their students, some have dinner parties for their students.

That you even had to mention the smiley face shows how's you are over reading things.



Much a do about not much.

Just Be Yourself

zeffabelli wrote: »

I can't believe the paranoia on this thread.

For one thing you don't know that he hasn't emailed the other students also.

Secondly, some lecturers especially at post grad level have a different kind of relationship with their students, some have dinner parties for their students.

That you even had to mention the smiley face shows how's you are over reading things.



Much a do about not much.

It's sad alright, and shows what happens when you mollycoddle college students too much. The scary thing is she could easily ruin his career if she was inclined to.

emuhead

Gebgbegb wrote: »

So as I said, probably not inappropriate, just maybe a little sloppy.

Agree with this, am sure there is no agenda behind it, just probably grateful that they're getting feedback that their teaching had some impact!

evolving_doors

emuhead wrote: »

Agree with this, am sure there is no agenda behind it, just probably grateful that they're getting feedback that their teaching had some impact!

Did the rest of the class get feedback... they obviously need it more!

I think there's usually a procedure for giving feedback, but I doubt it ever includes giving it before the results are handed back!

Ya look, it appears to have been a quiet nod that the student did well, nothing more nothing less. Wouldn't be my modus operandi if I were a lecturer, probably because I'm in secondary and it's a case of 'as much professional distance as possible' to avoid accusations.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

I wouldn't say it was meant as anything other than a compliment, but it's not the greatest of habits for him to be getting into. As a matter of interest, is he a relatively new lecturer?

I mean potentially, the extern could really disagree with him on your marks, and you get a much lower one than you're now expecting. A certain type of person in that situation might appeal, and be able to make life pretty uncomfortable for him because they can say "look I have it here, in writing, from a faculty member, that I was going to get a high mark". Alternatively, if one of your class mates who was marked low got wind of the email, and felt that the lecturer had been playing favourites throughout the year, they'd now have some pretty compelling proof of that.

I've had lecturers take me aside and compliment assignments or presentations, and I've done a very small bit of lecturing myself and have complimented students for their contributions and offered to send them on reading material they might be able for that the rest of the class wouldn't be (not that I phrased it like that), stuff like that. But it's always verbal. Singling out a student for anything that can be perceived as or twisted into favouritism just is not a smart thing to put in writing.

That said, this is your PI, not his, and I really don't think you have any cause to feel worried or uncomfortable. It makes sense that the email struck you as unusual, especially given the tone and the smiley but seriously I'd say it's totally harmless.

emuhead

Gebgbegb wrote: »

Did the rest of the class get feedback... they obviously need it more!

I think there's usually a procedure for giving feedback, but I doubt it ever includes giving it before the results are handed back!

Ya look, it appears to have been a quiet nod that the student did well, nothing more nothing less. Wouldn't be my modus operandi if I were a lecturer, probably because I'm in secondary and it's a case of 'as much professional distance as possible' to avoid accusations.

I'm interested primarily in offering help to the OP, not appraising how they give feedback to other students. As others have said OP, it sounds like an over enthusiastic person who made a professional faux pas, more their issue than yours.

dudara

I have lectured at third level in the past and I would consider this inappropriate behaviour from an examiner. There is a big difference between your role as lecturer and your role as examiner. There are procedures in place to validate exam results before they are released.

I know he didn't release an actual score but he did indicate a result, and (in my eyes) he indicated the possible scores of other students in the class. For me, this second part is where he crossed my ethical lines.

Like a previous poster, I was called in as part of my final year undergrad degree, as I had scored highest in my class. But this was done by the course external examiner, in the clear presence of my head of department. Very transparent and formal. Likewise the process with my PhD examination. It was not an informal email with a smiley face.

OP, ultimately it's entirely up to you on how to proceed. but at the very least, I would not communicate with him any further until the results are released.

893bet

fits wrote: »

What? I lecture myself, (not full time) and I find this a bit strange and inappropriate. There is a procedure to go through for exams and letting people know their results before they are released isn't really on.

This times x 1000 from the same perspective

Especially given ypu have had little previous contact. Even if ye had the most I would indicate would be not to worry etc.

It is inappropriate.

That said. Reply saying thanks for putting your mind at easy and reply no further.

Slow Show

Lecturer question wrote: »

Hi,



I sat an exam last week for as part of my Masters. Then last night I got an email from my lecturer who had started correcting the exams. It was good news, he stated that he read my script, I made his day and he will be marking it very high and not everyone in my class did as well as me. He used a smiley face in the email too.

I don't really get the hype around this at all. The lecturer was obviously extremely impressed with your work (you made his day!) and wanted you to know this. It's nice, it's encouraging, it shows a lot of respect for your work. You have a right to feel a bit taken aback and surprised, but that's as far as it goes in my opinion. You have no idea whether he's emailed anyone else in your class. I do agree that he shouldn't have mentioned marks or your performance relative to others in the class for the reasons given by others, but that's the only problem with it as far as I can see.

I had to email a lecturer before asking them to give me an indicator of my result as I was worried that I had failed and needed assurance as it's the kind of thing that would have eaten me up inside and impeded on my future study. I know of quite a few people who have done it because of the need for planning around the dates of repeat examinations, and there's never been any problem. The difference here is that the lecturer contacted you. I hope you feel very proud of yourself, I know I'd be beaming!

here228

The lecturer who did this to me was undoubtedly looking for sex!! It is completely inappropriate!

mocha please!

A few things to consider ...

Is it a big or a small class? In some courses where there are small classes, the lecturers may end up getting to know the students very well, particularly if they have the same classes over a number of years.

What subject was it? I'd find it a little bit odd if a lecturer said it "made his day" referring to a science or business related exam, however if it was something more artsy, eg English or philosophy, perhaps something in your paper made him see something in a whole new light. And he was just excited about it, because he's passionate about the subject. (Well you would hope he is, if he's teaching it!)

It was unnecessary to mention your performance relative to the others. And I do find it slightly inappropriate that he emailed you about it (although I don't really find the smiley face inappropriate.) But I don't see it as a big issue, and if it's a once-off, I really wouldn't mention it to anyone or take any action.

I'd probably just send a brief reply thanking him for letting you know, then leave it at that and move on.

LegacyUser

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies,

I was just wondering was it regular practise for this to happen and I am a little taken aback to told to get a grip and that I have ''issues'' for asking people was it a normal thing. Also another poster asked what what I wanted to achieve from this thread... I was simply asking a question, which is what this forum is for?

tinkerbell wrote: »

It's a sad world we live in to say that a congratulatory comment from a lecturer....Seriously OP, get a grip. .....it says more about your own issues tbh.

It seems that half the posters think it's wrong of him and half think its normal. The lecturer is a nice man and I don't think he meant anything untoward when contacting me. The reason I was uncomfortable is because in 5 years at college I have never heard of a fellow classmate getting results this way or emails like this. Also I spoke to a few classmates and it doesn't seem they got any email regarding results, i am the only one ( I asked some students who were particularly close to this lecturer, i.e meeting him outside of class hours for help on thesis etc even when he wasn't their supervisor. I didn't mention my email, just asked had they been in contact recently)

We were specifically told about the strict procedures regarding exam results at the start of the year and informed that no one would get an indication of their result at any other time unless they failed but even at that, it would be an official college email. I was uncomfortable because I am friends with my classmates and it does strike me as slightly unfair. I mean personally, if I heard of a classmate getting an email like this then I would be put out and wanting an indication of my results too and i would also think ''favoritism. I know we are adults but there are still rules and procedures in place to stop things like that.

I did email him back and say thank you. Some people indicated that this email could get him into trouble if he was told on but that didn't even cross my mind and I would never try and get someone into trouble like that. Thanks for your replies, it does appear that lecturers do email students about results but it is frowned upon?

Thanks
x

blatantrereg

Sounds weird to me. I'm a lecturer. Can't think of anyone who would do that. Any context that might make it seem less weird? Did you express concern about your exam or anything like that?

edit:

You're not really supposed to say too much about results until they've been ratified by exam board and external examiner, but it's not unusual to comment and it's not frowned upon really. However a male lecturer singling out a female student and sending the smiley faced email is transgressing a clearly defined social boundary.

evolving_doors

Lecturer question wrote: »

[...]

We were specifically told about the strict procedures regarding exam results at the start of the year and informed that no one would get an indication of their result at any other time unless they failed but even at that, it would be an official college email. I was uncomfortable because I am friends with my classmates and it does strike me as slightly unfair. I mean personally, if I heard of a classmate getting an email like this then I would be put out and wanting an indication of my results too and i would also think ''favoritism. I know we are adults but there are still rules and procedures in place to stop things like that.
[...]

Well I think that if that's the policy then 'no' he shouldn't have emailed to give an indication of a result.

In any event you shouldn't worry about it unless anything else comes out of it, but on the face of things it seems innocent enough (if just a little sloppy in the professional sense of the word).

I wouldn't say it to too many people in my class though as some could really put the cat amongst the pigeons looking for a bit of retribution on their 'lower' grade! I've learned to keep my results to myself (or if asked give a general response) as people can go a bit nutty when the grades are given out.

Well done BTW.

dudara

@here228 - I have deleted your post as it was not relevant to the PI. Another moderator had previously deleted the same question from you. Please do not ask the OP for any identifying information, and please take the time to read the forum charter before posting again.

dudara

LegacyUser

I'm a lecturer and I think this is a out of line. You can't give an indication of results to some people and not others and I wouldn't correspond with a student on this matter except in relation to a missing project or the like. After the results are released you could congratulate a student as having had the best mark in years or whatever.

skallywag

Sounds extremely unprofessional and completely out of place at any half decent higher education institution.

I don't necessarily see anything 'creepy' about it though, which I would imagine is what the OP is getting at.

By the way I also find it very odd for a student to email a lecturer for an indication on how they have done.

KMoon09

It seems unusual that he actually went to the effort of sending you an email, that does strike me as a bit odd. I did a MA last year, and I remember bumping into a couple of lecturers after submitting assignments. They all spoke in very vague terms about how I'd done, they definitely didn't go into specifics, and none of them sent me an email.

mud

I was up late writing an essay and emailed my lecturer with a question expecting him to reply the next morning. It turned out he was up late with his child and we ended up having a cozy few emails back and forth. Nothing dodgy just two souls connecting during a long night. I mentioned a class test that he was correcting and he told me my grade and said I was doing well in the class. Not the same as talking about other students' grades of course but I didn't think any less of him for letting his guard down and chatting normally with me.

Sunflower 27

You did well. Enjoy it. Some lecturers do this, others don't. Why make a mountain out of a molehill? There was nothing in the message that suggested the lecturer was trying to hook up with you and seduce you. The lecturer may well have sent similar to other students.

Well done on your achievements.

callaway92

mud wrote: »

I was up late writing an essay and emailed my lecturer with a question expecting him to reply the next morning. It turned out he was up late with his child and we ended up having a cozy few emails back and forth. Nothing dodgy just two souls connecting during a long night. I mentioned a class test that he was correcting and he told me my grade and said I was doing well in the class. Not the same as talking about other students' grades of course but I didn't think any less of him for letting his guard down and chatting normally with me.

Jesus, this made me feel kinda queasy reading this.

Sounds weird no matter what way you try to spin it.

mud

callaway92 wrote: »

Jesus, this made me feel kinda queasy reading this.

Sounds weird no matter what way you try to spin it.

What? We couldn't connect about stuff because he was my lecturer? At 5am it was a nice back and forth and there was nothing dodgy at all.

gandalf

mud wrote: »

I was up late writing an essay and emailed my lecturer with a question expecting him to reply the next morning. It turned out he was up late with his child and we ended up having a cozy few emails back and forth. Nothing dodgy just two souls connecting during a long night. I mentioned a class test that he was correcting and he told me my grade and said I was doing well in the class. Not the same as talking about other students' grades of course but I didn't think any less of him for letting his guard down and chatting normally with me.

I wouldn't try and compare a class test with correcting a Thesis at the end of a course myself.

In your case I don't see a problem with your interaction with a lecturer.

In the OP's case I think the lecturer was bang out of order. In raises so many questions.