Call a professor by his/her first name?

While the semester hasn't started, I emailed a professor with some questions on the class, titled, "Professor Lastname". He responded and signed his email by his first name.
When I respond, do I address him by his first name, as he signed his letter, or did I stick with Professor Lastname?
I know some professors like to be "friends" and others like to be more of an authority. Some specifically dislike the formality of "professor".

Executive Member Joined: Aug 05 2011 Posts: 376

It depends on the professor and what is done at that school. When I was in undergraduate we only used last names. In the masters program a lot of professors preferred to go by the first names and they would not appreciate it if you used the last names. To be on the safe side you can always just email her back and say "professor firstname" instead of last name, as that still shows some respect.

Thanks, Beach Bum. It's law school, actually. You think I should just do first name?

Platinum Member Joined: May 07 2008 Posts: 8962

I like the Professor Firstname compromise. His signing off as just Firstname would imply that that's how he wants to be addressed, but he might also have an automatic signature on his email and have neglected to change it.

Call him professor as in professor and Maryanne. When I was practicing, I loved being called counselor. It is really nice.

MAYBE I would have called a young assistant by first name, if asked to several times...
Not a teacher. Nor do I want to be called by first name, unless you want to do mora Ruchel.
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I think first name would be standard here but I don't remember calling any of them by name. At the school I teach at (Grades 11 & 12 only) all staff are known by first name with students, Principal included. Some students still use Miss or Sir if they're uncomfortable.
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I usually sign my emails with my first name and while I don't mind students calling my by my first name, (especially masters students or those who have taken several classes with me) I prefer at least Dr. First name or professor first name, but that's just me.

I usually go by Dr. with students unless it's a student that I've had before or worked with, although one school I taught at insisted we go by first name as their policy. I guess basically what finprof said! Salut

You can't go wrong by going more formal, so I would stick with that unless they specifically tell you to call them by their first name.

Diamond Member Joined: Sep 17 2009 Posts: 3953

Unless someone specifically tells you to call them by their first name I use their title. I know rabbis who return phone calls saying "hi this is firstname" but no one actually calls then by their first time.

Diamond Member Joined: Feb 21 2011 Posts: 2685

when I was at uni, we always called all the teachers, including professors by their first name. in classes as well. when I would email "Dear Dr" or "Dear professor", they would always sign with their first name only, I.e. best wishes, Clare, or whatever. and then I would take that as an assumption I could say "dear Clare" from now on and they liked that. but they were friendly and humble. some university academics are awful. as you get to know them you'll know.