1 This is not a “Set of Rules”

Most teachers have a set of rules labeled communications or direct you to read an Email Etiquette document that contains phrases such as…

You are not writing a text message!

Yes… the exclamation point is usually present.

While such rules are usually intended to facilitate discussion… they (The Rules) lead to trepidation and hesitation.

At the end of the day… you are a person sending a message (email or Canvas Message) to another person.

2 Are Grammar and Style Important?

Yes… grammar and style are important… to a degree. You are not writing a paper, journal article, or textbook. Your email is not being graded. The end goal is clear communication. A few small typos are not an issue.

Before you send an email… take a few minutes to proofread.

1. Are there any obvious spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes?
2. Did you forget anything?
3. If you used bold or italicized text… was it done sparingly?
4. If you are referencing a document, piece of code, or other exercise… did you include a copy of your work?
5. If you took a screenshot… was it done with your device’s screenshot tools (e.g., the Windows Snipping tool)?

3 How Much Formality is Appropriate?

The first question students ask is…

What greeting should I use?

A simple Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening is usually sufficient.

The second question is usually…

What if I think of another question after I click (or tap) Send?

Go ahead and send an amended (i.e., updated email) as a reply to your initial message.

The last question is often…

What if I have a lot of questions?

I have been known to have an abundance of answers.

4 Important Information

Be sure to include the course subject and number (e.g., CS 263) any time that you send an email to a teacher.

I teach multiple courses. I often have students who

1. have taken courses with me in previous semesters.
2. are currently taking two or more courses with me.

I have started a few emails with something along the lines of…

Good Morning,

I am fairly certain that you are asking about Assignment 1 for CS 330. However, you are also taking CS 350 with me (and we discussed Assignment 1 for CS 350 during office hours yesterday).

If I am mistaken… let me know.