Also, is their any way to (politely) tell potential students that they need to be just a little more formal in their emails. I am so sick of getting emails like-

hey- i heard about ur class. how do i register, cause i can't find it online anywhere? let me know. ok, bye, kt

hey- i heard about ur class. how do i register, cause i can't find it online anywhere? let me know. ok, bye, kt

I'm very surprised to hear that, since it's clear you spend a great deal of time on the internet. While I appreciate your interest in the class, you may wish to consider how you come off in emails like the one you sent me. Understanding appropriate language is a sign of maturity that your professors and future employers will be looking for. KTHXBYE!

hey- i heard about ur class. how do i register, cause i can't find it online anywhere? let me know. ok, bye, kt

My Dear Aspiring Student,

Recently we have become aware of your request for information regarding registering for a class entitled "[class title]" taught by [full professor name with any titular letters (Ph.D...)] held at [full location detail, including possibly directions like "left at the old stump"] at [full time schedule].

[Quote from some august thinker about the seeking of knowledge, or maybe Latin for "You have the clear cold eyes of the seeker of wisdom and truth."]

The course signup may be accomplished by [URL detail] or the submission of a formal hand-written request (in ink) to this office (full address).

Yours truly in education and knowledge attainment, [Formal Name] [Formal Address]

I don't have enough time to fully flesh it out, but it should give them a unexceptionable polite bitchslap.

ooh, Theo - that's Vortex-level snark!

And happy birthday, David!

I'm very surprised to hear that, since it's clear you spend a great deal of time on the internet. While I appreciate your interest in the class, you may wish to consider how you come off in emails like the one you sent me. Understanding appropriate language is a sign of maturity that your professors and future employers will be looking for. KTHXBYE!

Bwah-ha-ha-ha!

My Dear Aspiring Student,

This I might be able to use "for reals"! I keep thinking that "kids today" need lessons on how use both the telephone and email in a business-like manner. I actually see a direct correlation between the students who have had their parents do most of the requesting and calling for them until they are around 23 and the one who write/speak like this. I also think it means I am old, but I still don't like telephone conversations staring "OK-- can you tell me about your class?".

I think I may be unreasonably annoyed by my job for the beginning of the day!

Happy Birthday, Hec!!

Also, is their any way to (politely) tell potential students that they need to be just a little more formal in their emails.

I think you could provide the information, and then just say something like, "On a personal note, you would be well served by conducting future academic correspondence in a more formal manner. Spelling words out completely, for example, is the sort of thing that will make your future professors think of you as an intelligent and competent student. Best of luck in your future endeavors."

gak - phone interview is over in 15 minutes. I am pretty sure nothing will come of that. Could have all been avoided by asking me one question in email, cause no I have never held a job of that title before - I am looking to make a change - and if you don't hire unless a candidate has the exact experience, then I am not your gal.

Happy birthday, David!

Happy Hec day!!