College Professors - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, university and college teachers:

Have a high level of social contact with students and other faculty.
Are somewhat responsible for the outcomes of students, especially graduate students.
Work in a group or as part of a team.
Often speak in front of large groups of people when giving lectures or presentations.
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Are occasionally placed in conflict situations in which students may be upset over a grade.
Communicate with students and other faculty daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.

Almost always work indoors. May occasionally work outdoors depending on their field of study.
May sometimes wear safety attire when exposed to contaminants or hazardous conditions. This is true for chemistry teachers and a few others who work with lab equipment.
Usually have a private office space.

Must be sure their work is exact. Errors in research could lead to incorrect results.
Often make decisions that affect the reputation of the university or college. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
Almost always set their own tasks and goals for the day.
Work in a competitive environment with weekly deadlines.
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Repeat the same physical and mental tasks, such as grading.

Generally have a set schedule each week.
May work part time or full time, but most work more than 40 hours a week.
May work irregular hours, such as when teaching summer, evening, or weekend classes.