Read the following guidelines. This should explain appropriate online behavior for this course. Next, using the "Course Connections" link in Canvas, email me (Dr Evans) acknowledging that you have read and understand the "Netiquette" expectations. This should be completed by the end of week one (Sunday, 11:59pm).

Below are some “rules” or guidelines to consider when communicating in your online or blended courses. These have been adapted from the Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea.

Know Your Context

Whether through email or online discussions, be polite and clear when communicating online. Use proper grammar, edit for punctuation/spelling before sending, and write clearly and concisely. Also, if using information from other sources, cite those sources!
Follow the lead of the instructor. They will set the tone and provide guidance/guidelines.

Remember the Human

Respond to people using their names. In responding to posts in online discussions from your classmates, begin with a greeting using their first name. When addressing your professor, use an appropriate greeting such as "Professor Evans" or "Dr Evans", not "Ms Evans".
Avoid jokes and sarcasm – they often don’t translate well to the online environment.

Text has Permanence

What you say online is difficult to retract later – once in print. Be cautious.
Do not write in all caps! It is rude and similar to "shouting" in the online environment.
Using emoticons (such as a smiley face) is appropriate to use to articulate an emotional response; just do so sparingly.
Again, always be aware and careful with spelling and grammar! Read your emails and discussion posts before you send them, as they reflect upon you.

Guidance on Email

In the age of social media, many students approach emailing similar to texting and other forms of digital communication, where the crucial conventions are brevity and informality. But most college professors consider emails closer to letters than to text messages. This style of writing calls for more formality to the conventions of standard English -- that is, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and syntax. Here are a few suggestions when sending emails to your college professor:

Use a clear subject line. The subject “Rhetorical Analysis Essay” would work better than “heeeeelp!” (and much better than the unforgivable blank subject line).
Use a salutation and signature. Instead of jumping right into your message or saying “hey,” begin with a greeting like “Hello” or “Good afternoon,” and then address your professor by appropriate title and last name, such as “Professor Evans” or “Dr. Smith.” Similarly, instead of concluding with “Sent from my iPhone” or nothing at all, include a signature, such as “Best” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Use standard punctuation, capitalization, spelling and grammar. Instead of writing “idk what 2 rite about in my paper can you help??” try something like, “I am writing to ask about the topics you suggested in class yesterday.”
Do your part in solving what you need to solve. If you email to ask something you could look up yourself, you risk presenting yourself as less resourceful than you ought to be. But if you mention that you’ve already checked the syllabus, asked classmates and looked through old emails, then you present yourself as responsible and taking initiative. So, instead of asking, “What’s our homework for tonight?” you might write, “I looked through the syllabus and course website for this weekend’s assigned homework, but unfortunately I am unable to locate it.”
Be aware of concerns about entitlement. Rightly or wrongly, many professors feel that students “these days” have too strong a sense of entitlement. If you appear to demand help, shrug off absences or assume late work will be accepted without penalty because you have a good reason, your professors may see you as irresponsible or presumptuous. Even if it is true that “the printer wasn’t printing” and you “really need an A in this class,” your email will be more effective if you to take responsibility: “I didn’t plan ahead well enough, and I accept whatever policies you have for late work.”
Add a touch of humanity. Some of the most effective emails are not strictly business -- not strictly about the syllabus, the grade, the absence or the assignment. While avoiding obvious flattery, you might comment on something said in class, share information regarding an event the professor might want to know about or pass on an article from your news feed that is relevant to the course. These sorts of flourishes, woven in gracefully, put a relational touch to the email, recognizing that professors are not just point keepers but people.