• Always be respectful, polite, and cordial. Make sure that your writing is not offensive, nor demanding, and that your statements or responses are objective and sensitive to gender and culture.  Remember that there is a person at the end of the computer, who also has feelings like you.

• Use appropriate academic language. Avoid using sarcastic tone and internet lingo or abbreviations that others might not easily understand.

• Use appropriate punctuations. Refrain from using flaming sentences (e.g. sentences in all caps or with numerous exclamation points) as they may appear that you are shouting or angry.

• Proofread and review your letter, messages, posts, and papers before uploading or sending them to ensure that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. Make sure that they are well-written and that they reflect proper netiquette.

• Respect privacy. Do not post screenshots of, quote, or forward messages without the permission of the original author of the email, message, or post.

For Private Emails and Messages in MyPortal

• Specify a brief but descriptive subject line to give the recipient an idea on the topic of the email.

• Provide proper salutation. Make sure that the person’s title (Mr., Ms., Prof., etc.) and the spelling of the name are correct.

•  Introduce yourself (name, student number {if the email is for your professor or Program Chair}, or the course you are a part of).

• Make sure that the body of your message/letter is clear and straight-to-the-point. d. Provide appropriate signature line (closing and name).

• Respond appropriately, respectfully, and promptly when reply is expected or requested.

• Send only relevant emails or messages. Do not send out rants, spams, or chain letters.

Online Discussions

• Be active and participative. Avoid lurking.

• Do not re-post other’s responses in other media or platforms without the author’s permission.

• Give others a chance to participate in the discussion. Do not dominate the forum.

• Be constructive in your feedback.  Focus on the behavior, the output under evaluation, or the issue at hand, and not on the person. Personal attacks are unacceptable.

• Use emoticons judiciously.  Emoticons can help convey emotions. However, make sure that they are used appropriately.

Online Resources:

10 Rules of Netiquette for Students [1] 

The resource emphasizes effective communication as one of the drivers to a successful online education. In the article, ten rules of netiquette were identified. From this, you will learn how to properly conduct yourself online through clear communication, being cautious of the information you share to others, and following online rules.  

Netiquette: Ground rules for online discussions [2]

The article listed the twelve ground rules for online discussions, some of which include reporting technical problems, citing sources, avoiding flaming, and using formal writing style. You will also learn the importance of proofreading and refining a message before sending it across the internet.

Video Resources:

Proper email etiquette [3]

The video below presents proper e-mail etiquette that you should practice all the time. It reminds you to be always respectful by providing do's and don'ts when writing appropriate e-mails to their professors and peers.    

Core Rules of Netiquette [4] 

Some core rules of netiquette are provided in the video below. This includes sharing knowledge to fellow students, reminding students to be cautious of their behavior in the cyberspace, and thinking twice before reacting. In the video, you will learn about what digital citizenship is and how this concept will guide you to be a better user in the online environment.