Not exactly *wedding* etiquette... but maybe you can help anyway?

damaless

I always find it really awkward when I'm emailing someone who has some kind of title and I keep calling them "Prof/Dr./Mr./Ms. So-and-so" when I address them and they keep signing off by their first name.  Does that mean I should address them by their first name?  If I am having a whole back-and-forth conversation via email, is there a point where I stop saying "Hello Prof/Dr./Mr./Ms. So-and-so," and just jump right into the response?  Also is there a point where I just start signing off by my name instead of "Regards, My Name" or whatever?  And if not, do I keep using the same "Regards" over and over, or do I have to switch it up with different phrases?  Suggestions?

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Depending on the email, I like regards, sincerely, or the ubiquitous, "thank you." However, if it's a quick response to something they recently sent that was part of a back-and-forth conversation, I don't think you need to include it. It gets kind of awkward if you respond with one sentence and then close the email formally, I think.

As far as first name, I think if they sign with their first name, it's up to you. Most of my professors I feel comfortable calling them "Dr. so-and-so." Even my advisor, though I know other people call him by his first name. If other students call them by their first name and they sign their emails that way, they're really leaving it up to you. I know some of the older faculty wouldn't let that fly, but they sign their emails, "Dr. Jones." Unless they say, "Please, call me Tom," you don't have to worry.

Sunshine9463

I don't know the official etiquette, or if there even is any, but...

I always address professors as 'Professor lastname.' I just don't feel comfortable using their first names, but I suppose it depends how you feel.

Usually if the emails are going back and forth pretty quickly and it is the same conversation, I don't put "Hi Professor," after like the 2nd response or so. Kind of depends on the flow, ya know?

I always do end the email with "Best, myname."  That's just what works for me