School instructor emailing me between semesters

[crenfro]

Hello.

One of the instructors from my upcoming Spring 2018 classes sent me a rude email telling me I should have answered her more quickly.

I am through with the Fall 2017 semester and the Spring 2018 semester has yet to start, so I don’t think I should be participating in my classes until they officially begin.

On the one hand, I think it would help me spiritually to simply overlook her, pray for her when she’s rude, and just get on with the class, but if she’s doing this to everybody, I think it might be helpful to bring it to someone’s attention. Also, when I’m irritated with somebody, I’m not very charitable.

I did start cc’ing her on all my emails that pertain to her class after her initial rude email, but now she complained about that.

I’ve just been through several classes about how important it is to be courteous and kind to each other in the field I’m in, so it’s pretty confusing to me to have an instructor be rude.

Any constructive suggestions are welcome. Thanks for listening.

 

[Maximilian75]

Maybe mention it in a non-gossipy way to people whom you share your major with. if it’s a trend, take it to a higher authority. if it’s not, just un cc her and do your best to be charitable. that’s my 2 cents

 

[Theo520]

She wanted to be acknowledged, not overwhelmed.
Apologize for your slow initial response, and move on.
Remember that she’s grading your work the next Semester,

 

[Clementine14]

Was the answer she needed time-sensitive?

I am a college instructor, and sometimes students perceive gentle reminders about doing the things they are supposed to do as “mean” and “unfair”. I would consider whether your instructor was actually being rude, or if maybe there is merit to her concern. Also, the never-ending email we receive from students sometimes necessitates a quick answer, which can be perceived as rude. It’s hard to say, without knowing what the email said. If she was truly rude, I’m sorry, and that is not how professors should communicate with students.

If you are on break, she may be on break too (or nearing vacation) and is thus doing extra work by communicating with students who have not yet officially started her course. You shouldn’t “have to” participate in your classes when you are on break or do any work for credit, but if the issue is regarding something important, consider that it might benefit you in the long run to remember that the goal is your degree.

 

[crenfro]

Thank you all for the (name removed by moderator)ut.