Email Guidelines

I have found many students do not know proper etiquete for emailing a professor.  Here are some guidelines (these would also apply to a boss or anyone else in a position of authority):

1.  Always include a brief statement in the subject line.  Make the statement brief but clear so the email respondent will be more likely to open the email.  When emailing me, HCC Student in the subject line will be fine unless I have specified otherwise.

2.  Begin with a salutation and correct use of their name.  For example, Dear Dr. Anderson,  or Professor Anderson,

3.  Begin a new paragraph for the body of the email.  Separate different thoughts into different paragraphs.  It is VERY important to use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

4.  End the email with your full name and if needed, more information about you.  For example, Thank you, John Q. Student, T/Th 11AM class

5.  Do not use all UPPERCASE or lowercase letters.

6.  Do not write the email as if you were texting  a buddy.  Do not make the tone too casual or too informal.  If this person is your professor, employer or boss, you want to be respectful.  You also want to sound intelligent.  

7.  If you have an email address that refers to sex, drugs, or alcohol, it would be wise to have a separate email with a plain, tame address that you use specifically for work related emails.

Basically, you leave an impression when you email.  When emailing someone who is evaluating you, it is wise to leave a good impression.