Currently, there is no guideline in the Faculty Conduct Policy prohibiting professors from swearing in the classroom.

Faculty members are allowed to decide for themselves what language is appropriate in different situations and might use curse words to get students attention.

Susan Carlson, associate provost, said in some instances, swearing might be appropriate.

“There are situations where you might be using some kind of profanity to make a point,” Carlson said. But, she said it is different than yelling at someone.

Steve Charman, graduate assistant and teacher’s assistant of psychology, said although he doesn’t ever plan to swear in class, he sometimes will use profanity to emphasize something important. He said swearing can sometimes help students see the professor as more of a person.

“I don’t want to give the impression that I’m way above the rest of the students in my class,” Charman said.

Drew Knight, junior in psychology, said he thought most students are probably indifferent to the profanity, but said sometimes the professor’s use of profanity can positively affect how students see the professor.

“It does make you feel they’re being more relaxed and more themselves,” Knight said.

Charman said that swearing gratuitously, however, can undermine an instructor’s credibility.

“You can go too far with it,” Charman said. “I’m never going to swear at a student, ever. No professor ever should.”

Jessica Hainline, junior in psychology, said swearing at students is inappropriate.

“If it’s directed at the student, maybe some action needs to be taken,” Hainline said.

Carlson said in cases where someone feels they have been the victim of inappropriate language the first recourse is to report it to the course’s department office.

But, Hainline said, swearing by professors in class doesn’t really matter. She said sometimes swearing might even be humorous.

“I think there’s a strong opinion that professionals shouldn’t cuss, but I think most people would laugh if it were done,” Hainline said.

Other students said if a professor swore they may not realize it.

“I probably wouldn’t even notice,” said Sarah Wilder, senior in interior design.

Wilder said that although she doesn’t mind the idea of professors swearing, some students might feel split on the idea.

“I can see people thinking both ways. I can see some holding professors higher and thinking they shouldn’t swear,” Wilder said. “Some would also say they don’t care though.”