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FCS 432: Advanced Nutrition

Netiquette (Email Etiquette)

Netiquette (Email Etiquette) 

Southeastern recognizes email as one of the official forms of communication at the University and provides students with an email account. Students are expected to check the Southeastern email account for communications from faculty and University offices.  See the Southeastern Email Policy for further information.

In addition to that policy, please read the following:

  • Make certain that you sign your name to any email you send. Your instructors do not know you by your W number. Southeastern WebMail uses W numbers as the “Sender” so it is very important to sign your name to your emails.  
  • It is considered impolite to use UPPER CASE typing in emails. UPPER CASE LOOKS AS IF YOU'RE SHOUTING.
  • A better way to emphasize words in email correspondence is to use an asterisk (*) immediately before and after the words you want to stress. Careful placement of these asterisks can communicate subtle differences of meaning. For example, compare the difference in these 3 statements:

*I* said that we should all go to the library for this assignment.
I said that we should *all* go to the library for this assignment.
I said that we should all go to *the library* for this assignment.

  • Take a few moments to proof-read before you send an email. Frequent typographical errors or misspellings will distract your readers, and may leave a bad impression.
  • Mail should have a subject header that reflects the content of the message.
  • If you are forwarding or re-posting a message, don't change the original wording.
  • If you are replying to a message, quote only the relevant parts.
  • Do not send abusive, mean-spirited or heated messages (flames). If you receive a flame, it is best to ignore it.
  • Avoid sarcasm in email as it is often misunderstood in an online environment.
  • Take care with addressing email.
  • Be careful about forwarding email sent to you by another as it may contain personal information.
  • Allow time for mail to be received, and replied to, keeping in mind other peoples' busy schedules.
  • If you want your mail to be read, don't make it too long unless the receiver is expecting a verbose message.
  • Remember the Internet is a global community, and other peoples' values and outlook on life may be different from your own.  Be tolerant and careful with slang or phrases that may not be understood by the person reading the email.
  • Don't assume any Internet communication is completely secure. "Never put in a mail message anything you would not put on a postcard." Likewise, independently verify any suspect mail, as addresses can be forged. 

Adapted from:  BlackBoard. A Guide to 'Netiquette. The Center for Faculty Excellence, Southeastern Louisiana University. 10 August 2004 <http://www.selu.edu/Academics/FacultyExcellence/BB/resources/netiquette.htm>