Talk with lecturer - pointers?

[althea]

I'll be having a talk with a lecturer from a postgrad course that I'm potentially going for. I'm not sure how such things are conducted in NZ. Is it typically just an informal 'talk', in which I would just show up dressed however I like, and 'talk'? Also, how does one usually address such people here? (He has a PhD, but isn't a professor). Are first names usually used?

Also, I already have an offer from another university for the same course. Would it be wise to mention it, or otherwise?

[JandM]

I would think, dress 'smart casual', so, look as if you're taking the occasion seriously, without going over the top.

It sounds as if the basis of the talk has not been made clear, so it would be a good idea to find out beforehand what the lecturer's expectation is, to give yourself the best chance. You could email or phone, and ask if there is anything you should prepare for the meeting, or anything (paperwork, such as e.g. certificates, or the results of past work of yours) that you should bring.

Also, how does one usually address such people here?

I've been a lecturer in England, and my d-i-l has done a university course in NZ. I know that MOST university staff in either country are quite happy for their students to call them by their first name. But I wouldn't assume. I would meet this person (e.g. John Doe, PhD), saying, 'Good morning, Dr Doe,' and continue with that unless he says, 'Please call me John.'

[sophiedb]

Good luck!

I can't help, but would love it if you could share your experience once it's done and dusted I've emailed a course coordinator about something similar, and he suggested that I come in for a talk when we arrive in November as well. So far I've addressed him as Dr C by email, and he signs as D C, PhD.

[althea]

Lol, oh dear. An administrative staff referred me to him after my initial enquiry, and she used his first name, so I followed suit until I looked him up on the university website. I figure Kiwis are a lot more relaxed about this sort of thing though?

It's supposed to be a talk to discuss my options for the programme, while I have already submitted my application formally through the Admissions Office. I'm not sure if my application will go through him or not.

[JandM]

I don't think it's necessarily 'oh dear'. When you meet the man, you can ask what he prefers. You asked here what other people thought, and there are Sophie and I, both with a foot in NZ and a foot in the UK, saying what WE would do in that situation. To me, when meeting somebody new that I'll be on formal terms with, i.e. a working under them relationship rather than friends (at least in the beginning), it seems fair that they set their preference, and I'd approach them in the same way wherever they come from.

[sophiedb]

Lol, oh dear. An administrative staff referred me to him after my initial enquiry, and she used his first name, so I followed suit until I looked him up on the university website. I figure Kiwis are a lot more relaxed about this sort of thing though?

You're right, I think it probably will be ok to address him by his first name... I'm just a bit cautious to start with, until they let me know one way or the other. And if anyone calls me Mrs McInnes, I'll definitely be going "ack! you mean me? that's my stepmother-in-law! call me Sophie"

At my last uni, the lecturers were evenly split as to whether they wanted to be addressed Dr, Prof, etc and some by their first or nicknames. But then it was a stuffy sorty of place I'm definitely hoping for more first names in NZ!

[unar]

I gave a talk at Victoria University in Wellington, pretty much just showed up with my computer and everything else they supplied, normal laser pointers etc. Remember plug adaptor and actually turn the outlet on (I forgot ). Some schools have remote control ones where you can move slides as well. I did dress up a bit (for my standards), nicer shoes not trainers, nicer trousers not jeans (all other profs ware jeans) and a proper shirt and jumper.

Don't worry about calling people by their first name. My even bigger "oh dear" moment was calling the seminar organisor Mr rather than Dr, then I found out he was actually a professor. Talk about D'OH!!! But he didn't mind.

Good luck!

[girlwithanewf]

Yes, it is a lot more casual here and students do call their university lecturers by their first names. If you are wanting them to offer you a place on a course I would definitely advise making an effort with the attire without going over the top. If they have a phD you should call them Dr and surname, and it is up to them to say that you call them by their first name. Don't just assume it is OK. Good luck and all the best for your meeting!

[stfa2lx4d]

When talking to a lecturer, I usually ask them if they prefer to be called by their first name or "Mr/Ms/Dr ~~~" after introducing myself. That way there's no way you can go wrong.

[girlwithanewf]

A very sensible suggestion!