Guidelines for Civility in Electronic Communications

As in all interactions within the university community, engaging in electronic communications brings with it the obligation to do so with respect to the recipients of the message. While the university encourages the exchange and debate of values and ideas, it is expected that this exchange will reflect the high ethical standards of the academic community, mutual respect and civility.

Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the special requirements and nuances of communicating in an electronic environment. When sending electronic transmissions, users should realize that tone-of-voice, facial expression and other usual communicative cues are absent. Consequently, unlike more familiar means of communication, intent of electronic communication can be lost easily, resulting in hostile interpretation or over/under emphasis. Careful writing and judicious use of words is therefore advised.

A growing volume of written information about "netiquette" (network communication etiquette) is available through Information Services. Students are encouraged to read at least some of this information prior to proceeding with electronic mail, newsgroup postings and similar electronic communications.