Email Communication


New (and experienced) Internet users should always follow accepted rules of network communication. Explore some of the links on this page to get a good introduction to accepted Net conduct.

In this course there are several rules one should always follow when communicating with email:

  1. Email is NOT postal mail
    Do NOT always assume that email messages reach their destination. If you expect a reply and do not receive one, follow up on the message.

  2. Instructors and GTAs teach other courses
    Always identify yourself clearly. Start your subject with a course number, (eg. CS1044) followed by a brief concise subject heading. Do NOT omit email subject lines it is considered very rude and feeble-minded behavior. (Include a section number if there are multiple sections of a course taught by the same instructor/gta.)
  3. Email Work
    Since it is very easy to save email (and easy to lose), students are expected to make backup copies of all communication related to the course until after the end of the term and they have received their course grade. Failure to do so when a communication is needed later in the course, (eg. if a dispute or other circumstance arises), will NOT constitute an excuse.

Further Exploration

Etiquette for Public E-Mail Systems
PolitenessMan's Guide to Netiquette
The Net User Guidelines and Netiquette
Netiquette


Author: N. Dwight Barnette
Curator: Computer Science Dept : VA TECH © Copyright 1996.
Last Updated: 4/23/96