The word “professor” often conjures up images of bow ties, suspenders, and tan corduroy jackets with tacky brown patches on the elbows. Well, at least it did for me before I entered the world of higher education as a wide-eyed, eighteen-year-old freshman. I soon realized, however, that professors came in a variety of shapes, sizes, and demeanors, no matter what their subject, age, or tenure.

Around the Academy recently posted on how college students are addressing their professors nowadays. According to the post, one student at Somewhere University decided to call his professor by her first name when emailing to discuss a final grade. Smart move on his part? Probably not.

To give this mystery (and perhaps misguided) student the benefit of the doubt, I once had a history prof who insisted that I call him Lenny. And though I respected this man immensely, I could never bring myself to address him by his first name. Visions of Steinbeck’s Depression-era ranch hands immediately danced through my head, especially the not-so-bright one with the simple dream of living off the land and tending to the rabbits. Sorry, Lenny. I just couldn’t do it.

People often wonder if younger generations have missed the bus, so to speak, when it comes to manners. In other words, have texting, instant messaging, and video games all hindered young folks’ ability to communicate effectively? Maybe, maybe not. But just to be on the safe side, the next time you address a professor, a boss, or anyone who clearly deserves your respect, it’s probably better to err on the side of the overdramatic than to simply say, “What’s up, bro?”