Email Policy

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New (and experienced) Internet users should always follow accepted rules of network communication. Explore some of the links on this page to get a good introduction to accepted Net conduct.

In this course there are several rules one should always follow when communicating with email:

1. Email is NOT postal mail
   Do NOT always assume that email messages reach their destination. If you expect a reply and do not receive one, follow up on the message. Use of an off-campus (non-VT) email server may result in email not being answered. Due to the Buckley Amendment academic information cannot discussed unless the identity of the person can be verified.

    

2. Instructors and TAs teach other courses
   Always identify yourself clearly. Start your subject with a course number, (eg. CS 1704) followed by a brief concise subject heading. (Include a section number if there are multiple sections of a course taught by the same instructor/TA.)

    

3. Subject Omissions
   Do NOT omit email subject lines. It is considered very rude and feeble-minded behavior. Please do not send email without a subject. I usually don't answer the email. If it isn't important enough for someone to take time to compose a subject then why would it be important to me.

    

4. Attachments
   Attachments are NOT to be sent to the instructor(s) or TAs unless they are specifically requested. Unrequested attachments will be deleted, regardless of the reason! Email attachments are NOT a substitute for on-line submissions. All submissions in CS1704 must be made to the Curator automated-grading system. 

    

5. Email account usage
   It is violation of VT University computing information system policy to use another's email account or to allow anyone to use your email account. You and only you are fully responsible for all messages sent from your email account.

    

6. Email Work
   Since it is very easy to save email (and easy to lose), students are expected to make backup copies of all communication related to the course until after the end of the term and they have received their course grade. Failure to do so when a communication is needed later in the course, (eg. if a dispute or other circumstance arises), will NOT constitute an excuse.
   

    

Further Exploration

Etiquette for Public E-Mail Systems

Yahoo links for Netiquette