Essential E-Mail Etiquette
For all emails pertaining to classes, co-curricular organizations and general communication
Use your Georgetown Email account. No matter what browser you use, you can access your GC account through the
portal. Among other things, there is an option to create an account that will combine your email services. All official
school email will be transmitted through your GC account, so be familiar with how to use it.
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 check before you send.. 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.
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
the many times the header on Georgetown’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.
Don't Use Upper Case. This is viewed as SHOUTING.
Use Punctuation. When emailing, get in the habit of using proper punctuation. When e-mailing with a professor or
staff member, use the grammar and punctuation you would if writing a paper. It will help the email to read more
concisely.
Avoid “slang” Using abbreviations such as brb, lol or other slang terms may be appropriate with friends, but should be
avoided when communicating with faculty and staff.
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.
Social Media If it is online, regardless of what privacy settings you may be using, it can still be found. The basic rule of
thumb is that if you wouldn’t want your mom, dad, Grandma, or RA to see it, then don’t put it online. This applies to
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. Be Smart!