Silhouette Photo of the Three Muses Statue outside the Old Admin Building.

Guide to Netiquette & Civility

Civil behavior enhances the learning environment and is expected at all times. The academic environment welcomes a difference of opinion, discourse, and debate within a civil environment. All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all communications (including email messages, discussion, and chats). You may find these guidelines helpful:

  • Clearly label posts and emails with a relevant subject heading.
  • Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING. Use bold or italics to show emphasis instead.
  • Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
  • Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
  • Cite all quotations, references, and sources.
  • Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons to let others know you are being humorous.
  • Use complete sentences and Standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.

CSC Expectations and Academic Conduct

Screenshot of a student message to an instructor

Steal This Message Format

Use this format when you communicate with instructors. A little professionalism will increase your chances of getting help. 

  1. Subject: Class Name/Number - Topic of your Message
  2. Greeting: Hello Dr. _________, When in doubt, use the Dr. title as a sign of respect. 
  3. Message: Type your question/concern in complete sentences. Be specific and get to the point.
  4. Be Polite
  5. Sign Your Name

Extra Pro tip: Use the Reply ↩ button. Reply keeps the conversation going. If you compose a new message, the thread gets disconnected.