Netiquette Guidelines for Email & Online Courses


Please assist in creating and maintaining a respectful atmosphere that is conducive for learning and communication. Here are steps you can take to help:

  • Address your classmates and instructors by name in course communication (such as e­mails, discussions posts). This shows that you recognize the person at the other end of the communication.

  • Assume that your instructor prefers to be addressed in more formal terms, unless told otherwise (Ex: Mrs. Smith or Dr. Jones).

  • Remember to identify yourself in the email subject line (first and last name) as well as the class/section you are in so your professor can relate your question to a specific person and class.

  • Do not post anything illegal, harassing, sexually suggestive, or inflammatory on your personal profile, blog, or the course discussion boards. This includes posting racy photos and using curse words, no matter how "mild,” and religious, racial, sexual, or ethnic epithets. Your comments should relate to course content and not try to influence your classmates to your political, social, or religious beliefs or values.

  • Follow the rules and conventions of standard English; use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

  • Demonstrate an acute awareness of purpose and audience. Show respect for the academic environment and those from other backgrounds.

  • Use normal capitalization.

  • Discuss personal matters, grades, and policy matters with instructors via email, chat, over the phone, or in their offices, not in the course discussion boards.

  • Do not spam your classmates or instructor with email advertisements or solicitations through the course or their e­mail accounts. Students have the same right to privacy as others.

  • Do not allow anyone access to online courses through your account. Allowing anyone to access the course or see other students' work violates federal privacy laws.

These guidelines have been adapted from Netiquette Guidelines for Students.


Last modified: Thursday, July 23, 2020, 11:43 AM