Essential E-mail Etiquette
For
all emails pertaining to classes
Use your free DCC account. No matter what browser you use, you can access
your DCC student email account. If you
don’t know how, start here https://dcc.my.vccs.edu/jsp/login.jsp
. Don't write anything you wouldn't say in
public. Anyone can easily
forward your message, even when done accidentally. This could leave you in an
embarrassing position if you divulge personal or confidential information. If
you don't want to potentially share something you write, consider using the
telephone.
Use Subject Line to summarize
the text of your message. With so much spam
(junk email), your message will likely be deleted
without being read if you don't put a subject,
Use a Spell checker before you send.
This is an option in your student email
system, and you should use. If not available in another system, you can
create your message in word processing, spell check, and then copy and paste
into your email message.. Email,
like conversation, tends to be sloppier than communication on paper. That's OK,
but even with email you don't want to appear excessively careless. Read the
email before you send it.
Contact your teachers! If
you have questions, are going to be absent, or want an appointment, your
teachers will be happy to hear from you.
Keep your message short and focused.
Include your
name at the bottom of the message. The message contains your
e-mail address (in the header), but many times the header on DCC's system, puts only the user name and the recipient
will not know who the message is from unless you "sign" your email.
If you are sending it to your instructor, it's a good idea to identify the
class you are in. (Use the HELP section to create a signature block if you
wish, but here I simply mean include your name.)
Don't Use All Upper Case. This is viewed as SHOUTING.
Check your Email at least once a day.
Answer pertinent emails as soon as possible.
Delete
Spam. Even with
filters, you will get an excessive amount of
junk email. You don't have to open or read it. You can check messages you want to
delete and delete without reading.
Don't over use Reply to
All. Use reply to all if
you really need your message to be seen by each person who received the
message.
Don't forward chain letters, jokes, etc.
Be very careful about opening attachments. Attachments may contain
viruses that can cause serious problems for your computer. The first
screen of Blackboard has a link to a free download of Norton Anti-virus software
provided by the State (instructions
for accessing Blackboard) .