Email Guidelines

When writing letters to a professor, certain rules for email etiquette should be followed. This is not only polite, but efficient and will allow a quick response.

Formatting and Etiquette

1. Use proper subject lines
   The subject line indicates what your email is about. Also, when writing to professors try to include the class that you asking about.

2. Keep your emails brief
   Emails take time to read, so get to point quickly. Start with a polite header such as "Dear Professor" or "Hello Professor" and then type out your message concisely.

3. Sign your emails
   Sign letters with your name and course number and date. (Course number and meeting times will help in larger classes and during the beginning of the year when your professor doesn’t remember names.)
         Joe Bloggs
         Math 31, MWF 9:00-10:00

4. Check your grammar and spelling
   It only takes a minute to read over an email and fix that glaring typo. Put your best foot forward and check your spelling and grammar before hitting send.

	Interviews Mike Malsed Assistant Director for Student Technology Services
Interview 1 - Email Advice Question: What would you advise students to do when using email? (Etiquette, privacy, formatting?) Mike says: once you send an email, it can't be undone. choose your words carefully in emails. keep your emails simple and readable.
Interview 2 - Reducing SPAM Question: Are there any safety or precautionary rules to follow to avoid SPAM or other unwanted email? Mike says: you can't completely get rid of SPAM, but you can reduce it. your email address goes where you go. keep your main email address private.
Interview 3 - Email Courtesy Question: What are some courtesy measures you wish more students would adopt with email? Mike says: show who you are in emails by leaving a signature. your email manners reflect on you - be courteous.
Stories Mike Would Love to Tell You Story #1 (Keep your username and password private.) Story #2 (You are responsible for your email account.)

Tip: For Future Reference... For more resources on how to write effective emails see Michael Leddy's article on How to email a professor and A Brief Guide on Email Etiquette

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