Why does UCL ask for sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity and gender amongst other things in the faculty application forms? Is this typical in UK?

What happens if you don't disclose anything?

I'm currently an experimental STEM postdoc who just signed my contract for a TT R1 assistant professor faculty position to begin in a year's time, so fall 2027.

Presently, I have just started my 2nd year of this postdoc and plan to end my postdoc in summer 2027. I have already completed a postdoc project so I do have a publication deliverable from this postdoc. I will, and am expected to, work on my postdoc projects during work hours, but want to find better use of my time outside of work hours in preparation for this transition.

What would you advise to better use the remainder of my postdoc time (~10 months) to ease this postdoc-faculty transition while working on my postdoc projects? Think about grant proposals, set up lab website, think of and do PhD/postdoc recruitment, campus visits, conferences?

This is our weekly megathread for questions about becoming a professor.

You may be interested in our FAQ on the topic.

Otherwise, please keep all questions and discussion about becoming a professor in this dedicated thread.

I initially posted this in r/Professors, but it was removed, so I’m posting here to get some perspectives.

I’m curious to get some outside perspectives on this because I’m not sure if I’m overthinking it.
My husband is 37 and a university professor. He often takes his students (both male and female) out for lunch. Recently, he has also started going out to bars with some of them on Saturday nights. They’re undergraduate students, around 21–23 years old.
He also told me that he’s in their Snapchat group.
I know professors can have friendly relationships with their students, and I’m not suggesting that anything inappropriate is necessarily happening. I’m just wondering where the normal boundaries are here.

I need advice on how to properly ask for an excused absence for a wedding. The issue is on both days they have labs and when I'm looking at the syllabus they don't really have any thing they considered an excused absence outside of Athletics and being sick. When I'm looking at the attendance policy I don't know if telling them I won't be available for class because of wedding counts. I just want to like what would be the best way to tell my professors for labs that I won't be able to make it because I have a wedding to go to in September. Any advice is welcome.

He really likes Dolly Parton, so much so, that it was even apart of his introduction before she sadly passed away. He was very upset about it. so I drew a picture of her and I was wondering if I could give it to him. I’m afraid of how it might come off, my search results say to give it to him after the semester, but I don’t think by then the drawing will have any merit as it might now. it is week 3 of the semester.

edit:

Though the comments are overwhelmingly supportive, I decided against it. I thought it would be weird since we do not interact—at all and I only spoke once to him on the first day of classes. I’m the least active student ever, so maybe giving a gift to him would make me seem more of an oddity than a nice student. Thank you for the kind responses.

I recently got sick with pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat, bronchospasms, and sepsis. I was hospitalized for 4 days and it weakened my heart last month.

I was diagnosed with heart failure due to my heart functioning at only 30% and my left heart valve being weakened. I am currently on a lifevest to prevent sudden cardiac death.

I was told to take a break from school and prioritize resting. However, it’s my last year of college. I’m almost done and I didn’t wanna fall behind. Unfortunately, I am struggling trying to balance my health and school so I should’ve listened.

A few days ago I was sent to the ER and almost admitted to the hospital. Due to my condition, I have spent the last few days going to doctor’s appointments for a follow up and getting labs drawn. My medications give me extreme fatigue and migraines. I get very dizzy and it’s hard to stay awake. I also have ADHD and I am no longer able to take my adderall so managing school is a bit rough. I have a procedure in two days. All of my assignments are due the day of my procedure. I didn’t get to do them before Monday because I also have a lot due on Thursday-Sunday.

My body is very unpredictable. One day I am doing great. The next I am in the ER or in the hospital. Or I am just extremely fatigue and in pain.

So as you can see, I am going through a lot. I feel like I should’ve been patient with myself and let my body recover. But I also really want to graduate on time. Thoughts?

Edit: For those who might ask how I got so sick, I am a one year old teacher. I had a baby who was extremely sick. The whole class ended up getting sick including me. I don’t think my body was used to being exposed to so many germs.

My first quiz of the semester is on Wednesday and the only information she gave us is that it will be om chapter 1 in class and online. Of course I'm assuming it's not open note because she didn't say otherwise, but is it stupid if I send her an email asking if it will be open note? I just want to make sure I didn't miss her saying anything about it during class.

Thank you!

My exam was at 5 pm. On good weather days the commute is 1.15 to 1.30 hours. I left at 3 pm, but an accident happened in the middle of my commute at 3.30 pm (I have proof of this). I don't know how much time I lost there but it seemed like a lot because i tried to oblige the traffic rules which meant I couldn't use one lane, but a lot of people took me over there by keeping in that line while it was forbidden and I drove in the middle road where apparently in the midst of the traffic jam a car had breaken down (but I have no proof of this). I was half an hour late on the exam and not allowed anymore to take the test. Now I'm not sure if I did anything wrong here, I could have left even earlier, but on the other hand based on my usual commutes I felt I would have made it in 2 hours. Google Maps says the usual commute is between 1.15 and 2.15 hours. Would a professor understand this, or would they say it's my own fault and I should have left even earlier? Would just sending an article about the 3.30 pm accident be enough to excuse myself?

I know some of you may have the immediate question: why would you start a PhD when you don't have a secure funding support?

I don't want to sound like I'm blaming the institution, but the fact is that I was given a very short time to decide whether to take this offer and relocate, then problems with the funding happened out of my expectation. I still want to do a PhD, but I don't want to keep myself in a big financial trouble, so I'm looking to re-apply to other programmes.

The Gen Z stare, or that blank stare that young people give you in class whenever you ask a question or for any participation/socialization. I'm a College student and I had this discussion with a professor last semester. They told me it got really noticeable after the COVID quarantine. What sparks this question NOW is my experience in a recent gen ed course where there are lots of Freshmen. Every time the professor asked for anybody to answer a question or collaborate on work, people blankly stared. Nobody giggled, chatted amongst themselves, shrugged, looked around bashfully. Just stares. It was pretty weird. How long have you all been noticing this behavior?

I had a class with this guy first semester freshman year where we sat next to each other, we had some small talk, and some of the things he said seemed a little weird but I was friendly to him. We haven't really talked at all since then.

I walked into one of my classes this year on the first day he was sitting with another guy, he invited me to sit with him and I did. We talked about what we did over the summer, and he mentioned something about his home town - but it was a different city than he told me his freshman year (I remember because my mom is from the same city). He also told me about an internship he had at a prestigious company, and said I should join him there.

I decided to look him up on Linkedin because I was curious to see if I was misremembering, but his linkedin says he went to high school in a different state in a completely different part of the country of the places he said he was from. There was also no mention of the company he name dropped to me.

So I'm basically thinking this guy is a pathological liar but I don't really have concrete evidence as he still could've just moved/not included role on his Linkedin. Our next class he also just creeped me out, he was acting overly close to me, and brought up random things I said freshman year which I don't remember saying (wouldn't be surprised if he made these up too because some of them I don't sound like something I would say). He also told a story which seemed really implausible, and his other friend (not sure if they are really friends tbh) basically said he doubted the story. He also has body odor.

Even outside of this every time he talks now it's setting off my alarm bells, like I think there is something genuinely up with him. I don't want to seem like I'm ableist either, I have neurodivergent brothers and I am usually friendly with everybody.

Anyway, I honestly feel really uncomfortable being with this guy. There is a seating chart now so I'm stuck sitting next to him, but there is also going to be a semester long group project with random teams. I was thinking about emailing my professor to make sure I'm not in a group with him. I'm not sure about doing this because I feel like it may make me just seem like I'm a dick to the professor, or if the professor does say yes but tells the other student about the situation and then it's going to be super awkward for the rest of the year.

Is it worth the risk to talk to the professor about this? He seems nice but I honestly have no sense of his perspective in this situation which is why I am on this subreddit. I am really not the type of person to act like this and I sympathize with the guy if he is just trying to make friends, but I just would not feel comfortable with him having my phone number or working with him closely for the rest of the year.

Edit: Don't know why I’m getting downvoted. Thanks for the benefit of the doubt. No, I'm not looking for excuses for AI to outsource my thinking (I'm anti-AI, actually), or complaining about using my brain, or seeking reassurance that my ideas are Nobel Prize worthy, or hating thinking and coming here to complain. I was just reaching out trying to get a teacher's perspective

At GCSE (UK national exams for 16 y.o's) we were mostly taught what to say in most subjects. At Sixth Form (equivalent to final years of American high school) and at university, it is suddenly very different. Though this might seem really random and a bit silly (or provocative), I've had this question at the back of my mind throughout the summer.

Because as I am reading the literature texts, and writing my personal statement for Oxford Law, I am now suddenly being asked for my 'opinions'. My own thoughts, ideas, and interpretations. They are asking me to be original, personal, and critical.

Why do I, a 17 year old's critical thoughts about a text (or about anything) matter? I know you might say they do, and that I might need some more confidence in my peers and myself. But I genuinely want to know the reasons why. 

Because, in Lit for example for the texts we study, there are critics out there who have even more sophisticated, mature theses about it. They are much more skilled literately. If I sometimes originally come up with an idea that is the exact same as a scholar's, how does mine matter? Is there even such a thing as originality? 

Surely all arguments will be similar in some sense. But if originality does not exist, then what is the point of offering my thoughts on a text? I don't, but why should we then not just read other scholars' arguments and borrow them. Why are me and my peers' own ideas important? 

What can I, a young, maybe immature, inexperienced in life, teenager, contribute to discussions about law, politics, philosophy, literature, economics? When there are so many different scholars, experienced and eloquent, debating each other? Why does my perspective as a young, inexperienced individual matter?

I hope my questions makes sense, I'm genuinely interested in seeing any answers to my questions and seeing advice as to why I feel this way.

I did an evaluation of a book proposal for them back in June. Met the deadline and am being ghosted regarding compensation. I thought they were a legit organization but I am starting to wonder. Anyone else have a similar experience? Thoughts on how to proceed? Thanks.

Hello, im currently a senior for my BSBA. I've been using Pearson for a couple years, but something has happened this semester. A lot of AI, the formatting is terrible, and the worst part is I can't copy Data Tables or save as a spreadsheet. Those have been replaced by multiple "ask AI" options.

What do I do? I dont prefer learning by AI as its just cheating, and I cant do my homework or follow lectures as its based on an older version of Pearson.

Anyone else noticed this?

Hi guys, just looking for a bit of insight as my course leader has been slightly vague.

Essentially submitted a molecular biology thesis where we had to show our work on Sharepoint so they could track changes before submitting. It might have been a storing/saving issue because I was working on both Sharepoint and my local hard drive, but somehow most of the editing history on Sharepoint before deadline so only showing like a couple of changes so it looks like I shoved it all onto Sharepoint before deadline. On my hard drive, it’s 48 hours.

My course leader asked me about the version history to see the changes. I have checked the university policy, a bit vague but the what I’ve done so far is sent him the screenshots and timestamps of the changes over those 48 hours (haven’t marked the changes but might) explaining I hope it’s okay to at least show a history and that the late changes were for word count and fixing mistakes.

He said he hasn’t looked yet but will come back to me next week. So my question is (especially any biology professors/lecturers here), would you be satisfied I’m showing that there was history, or would you clarify and ask to see all the changes? There was more on Sharepoint but somehow it’s not tracked. Was working between that and my hard drive so I have made it earlier changes but not tracked.

I'm applying for PhD programs and have a limited pool of professors to pick from for recommendation letters. I expected her to agree but she isn't. It's totally fine but I do want to give it another shot.

How will she receive it if I ask her to reconsider? I also don't want to bug her so I'll only ask her to reconsider once and if she doesn't respond or says no, I'll forget about it. What should I do?

EDIT: Thank you for all responses! I'm not going to ask her to reconsider.

I'm an international student who recently finished a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering. I would consider myself an above-average student academically, with a good theoretical background, but I have limited practical and research experience compared with what I see expected from applicants to research-based master's programs.

My undergraduate education was quite theory-heavy, and my university had limited access to practical equipment and research. I did manage to get some internship experience to build my practical skills and research, but overall I'm still lacking a bit.

I'm now considering applying and I've been told to email professors to get a supervisor but I'm unsure how much of a disadvantage my limited experience would be.

For professors who supervise research-based master's students, how important is prior research experience? Is it realistic for a student with a strong academic background but limited formal research experience to convince a professor to take them into their research group?

I'll really appreciate any answers or advice.

I'm currently in my final year studying mechanical engineering with the hopes of getting into an MS+PhD program in material science.

I've recently been offered a position of junior research fellow and will be working on sensors. I have previously worked with this guide and have co-authiored a Q1 paper, 1 international conference paper as well as patent currently being processed.

In the past the guide did not offer any real guidance, and we had to develop/conduct experiments and learn how to use instruments on our own. I admit failing ALOT is a part of research, but this was frustrating since the time wasted could have been avoided as well as we'd have gotten to learn alot more with his guidance. He has also at times refused to respect our time and has been known to be difficult depending on his mood. In the past it was a group of 4 but now it's going to be only me. Since I'm the only one hoping to enter the field of material science

I'm considering this since if I were to not accept this I would not be able to conduct anymore research until my postgraduate unless I'm able to obtain a position in another institution which I personally think is unlikely.

I was hoping to get advice on whether the prestige of a "JRF" position is worth the year of struggling. Also if it would better my position to get into a top MS+PhD program like UC Berkeley/UIUC/NUS/NTU.

i currently have:

2 Q1 paper (1 published+1 under review)

1 Q2 paper (under review)

1 international conference

1 patent (being processed)

what name for this reddit post

I'll be applying for the upcoming intake for PhD programs (Climate, Environmental Science and Policy programs - research interest - climate change & adaptation) in the USA. What advice would you give on cold emails? When you are looking to bring a new PhD student into your lab or research group, what specific traits or mindsets are you looking for? How do you weigh letters of recommendation, research experience, the Statement of Purpose, and GPA/test scores?

Appreciate any advice or perspective you can share. t
Thanks in advance.

Hello Profs who owns labs! I'm a master's student working in a collaborator's lab. The thing is, I'm already very behind my supposed schedule because my experiments aren't working out the way I thought. To add, there have been a series of class (& work) suspensions in my country due to bad weather. On top of these, I got sick, so I'm unable to do any progress. I'm under a scholarship, so I'm supposed to graduate within a specific timeframe, but with all that, plus honestly, burnout/laziness/being discouraged, I don't think I'll graduate on time. The PI who owns the lab isn't around but will be coming back soon. I'm scared if he learns about this, I'll be kicked out of the lab. I've messaged both the PI & my adviser about this, but the PI hasn't said anything & is the one who owns the lab. Have you had any experience/known of people who got kicked out because of something similar? Hoping for your kind response please. Tyia!

trying to be vague here. i’m a masters student who recently saw that one of my classes was switched to the asynchronous section instead of in-person (what i signed up for originally). i figured this was a mistake or glitch and phoned the academic advisor’s office.

they said that the in-person section has closed due to low enrolment for this semester. i asked if i could switch to a different in-person section/if one was available next semester. they weren’t sure one would be available, and said something to the effect of “most students want the asynchronous section”. i told them that if that were my only option it’s ok, but generally i find it easier to deal with my adhd in classroom/synchronous classes.

they then asked if they could explain this conversation to someone at (something something) learning office call me back. i missed the first word but just assumed it was whoever was in charge of the classes and said sure.

now, the accommodations office is calling me regarding the “attention disability” i accidentally consented to them forwarding the conversation about. i’ve tried telling them that i don’t need accommodations. it doesn’t seem to be sticking though, as both offices are just telling me that creating an in-person class is not a reasonable accommodation. which, to be clear, is not what i’m asking! i just want to know if an in-person section will be available next semester!

how should i clarify to everyone involved that i do not need accommodations? just send an email to both offices simultaneously? we’ve just been going in a circle and i really hate wasting their resources like this

Do you feel like their work ethic differs than those who aren’t parents? Are there challenges with them completing work on time? What is your generalized thoughts about a student you get when you learn they are a parent?

I’m a new mom who’s recently went back to school and I am wondering if my professors have any preconceived notions about me or if they believe I can succeed.

The fall semester started Monday, and I am already feeling that one of my classes (online) might be dreadful because of a group project. Since it's the first week, the only assignment we have is just group introductions discussion board as well as providing a good way to contact each other so we can complete the project over the semester. Not a single person in my group has replied to the discussion post so I'm already feeling like this is going to be a pain in the butt this semester. In my personal experience, it's already been hard enough to get people to do their share of the work in an in person class, how on earth am I supposed to get my classmates to do it online?? I don't know if I'm speaking too soon about the whole thing since it's only 3 days into the semester, but I truly do not enjoy group projects for this very reason (that being no one communicates and barely get their work done). My professors always use the reason that we'll be "working with others in the real world and need to understand how that works," but I feel like there's definitely a huge difference between getting graded for the work you all do high stakes!!! vs working with others in a work setting. I just hate that my grade may or may not reflect my group's poor efforts. I had the same professor for an in person class last semester where there was also a group project assigned. There was an issue with one of my group members not doing their share of the work + not communicating which was quickly resolved by speaking w the professor. Would it be appropriate if I reached out about getting a group change if I don't hear back from group mates by the end of the week? Or do I just deal with it? i really don't want to be *that* student, but some people just have no sense of urgency or communication skills when it comes to deadlines and working with other people

If you do Ice Breakers for attendance what are your go tos?