Professor

In Whiteneedle, the only metric used to determine worth and privilege is academic success. After many long years of study and later, research, and then teaching their findings, may someone be acknowledged to be a Professor. That is, someone professing their knowledge. Most citizens of Whiteneedle complete their courses and university and go on to enjoy their full privileges. Those that do not continue to pursue learning and to eventually pass on the accumulation of study they achieved are never considered to be a Professor and no one not a Professor is ever considered for a position on the Councils. Even artists and other creatives, if they do not continue to push their study and skills and instruct others in their arts will never be called a Professor or invited to fill a seat on the Council.
There are several paths to attaining a Professorship. None are particularly considered traditional. The most common way is to study from a young age, reach College at the end of adolescence, complete University as a young adult, and enter into an extended program of study and research. It is irrelevant whether that individual enters a teaching position within an established edifice and many tutor, teach or lecture privately. The only way for people immigrating to Whiteneedle to attain their privileges and citizenship is to enter this educational chain. Their eventual success, limit or failure dictates the degree to which Whiteneedle society accepts them. It is uncommon for someone not born within Whiteneedle to complete the full process to becoming a Professor. It is more rare yet, that such an immigrant will be asked to join the Council.
There are no trials, hearings or ceremonies that confer the title of Professor on a citizen of Whiteneedle. It is entirely by word of mouth and within the circle of peers that an individual may be acknowledged to be a Professor. As word spreads and others that deem themselves learned attend their lectures or classes, so does the acknowledgment grow.

Type

Research / Scientific