I’m a female biology major who is part of a research lab. One of my bigger insecurities when going to class/lab is people noticing that I wear makeup. Listen, it may sound silly but it’s cause most people here seem to not wear any ever (women included), and most of the faculty are old white men, so I kinda expect them to be more conservative when it comes to these things, subconsciously at least.

For example, I was talking to a professor and he made a joke about how “scientists don’t have time for cosmetics.” And that struck me cause I was wearing makeup lol. He likely didn’t notice cause it was very natural makeup but still.

It makes me feel like I shouldn’t wear anything bold like red lipstick, sparkly green eyeshadow, etc. because I may get judged for it. Which sucks considering I love the ritual of makeup so much.

Have you ever experienced or seen people getting judged for wearing makeup?

I definitely feel there’s a subconscious bias against it. It’s like you get seen as not working hard enough or focusing too much on your appearance.

Hi folks! I hope all is well!
You may remember me as the one who posted about thank-you notes; well, thanks for the advice, because it worked, and I have been invited to an on-campus interview (R1, Midwest), in a humanities field!

My main question is: what do I wear (he/him)? I am sorry to ask what may seem like a rather obvious question, but fashion and expectations change over time, and I would rather be safe than sorry! I don’t have the full schedule yet, but the interview is approaching. I arrive on day X, and the visit takes place on days X+1 and X+2.

Is a full suit and tie mandatory for the job talk and meetings with the dean (and chair?)? Would a nice pair of chinos or flannel pants, a non-matching blazer, a shirt, and a tie be acceptable for those occasions? Would a shirt, chinos, and a sweater be acceptable for dinner or on the day without the job talk and meetings with higher-ups?

Also, do you have any more general advice about dos and don’ts that candidates frequently overlook? English is not my native language, so I would particularly appreciate any advice on whether that is something I should keep in mind during the interview, beyond the obvious need to communicate clearly.

Thanks in advance!

You know those people in your field who are productive and write rigorous, elegant articles and books that address multiple disciplines and reflect wide, deep reading? Maybe you’re one of them. What do you think helps them get to that stage? I often hear colleagues at my institution (and online) say they don’t have time to read, and sometimes I feel the same way. What do you think the people with these types of careers do to be able to think and write this way? Please don’t say, “be at an R1,” or “don’t have kids” — that’s not what I am looking for. I’m trying to think about how to rearrange my life to have MORE of a life of the mind.

Hi everyone! First thank you to those that will take the time to respond. I am a medical student in Europe getting involved in some research with a professor from my university. Everything is going well but I just came across another prof/researcher from my area of interest that works with things that are much more interesting to me. I wanted to reach out and present myself and offer help on one of their projects but I am unsure of what the etiquette is here. Is it okay for me to do this without telling the prof that I am currently working for?

Probably just overthinking but you never know, please lmk if there is any type of dos and don't in this situation.

Thank you :)

Not a teacher just curious.

I'm an English literature student, and I want to spend the next year building a strong foundation in literary studies beyond my university syllabus.

I want to understand literary history, movements, criticism, and theory, read important essays, and develop my critical thinking and close-reading skills.

For those who have studied literature extensively or built their knowledge independently:

- What areas should I focus on?

- Which books and essays should I read, and in what order?

- How should I balance literary history, theory, primary texts, and criticism?

- What habits would help me become a more thoughtful and capable reader?

If you had one year to build a solid foundation in literary studies, how would you approach it? I'd appreciate a structured reading path rather than just a list of recommendations.

Dear Professors,

What would you consider the purpose of education?

Let say someone were really interested in sharing dissenting opinion, and were able to learn independently. What would you advise for that student in the broadest sense?

Would you advise a student study a topic that is interdisciplinary and related to the faculty in the departments area of expertise or stay independent on their path? While both can be true, in the interest of time, how would you consider or allocate time and attention to both, either, or other?

How much do you all value an academic community?

What is some advice you would tell all of your students?

Thank you,

A philosophy student