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Online Communication
If you are an online student, email and discussion board posts are the only basis on which you are perceived, other than your coursework.
Expectations for Online Communication
Tips from Ecampus Students
"Make it a point to communicate with your instructors and get to know other students via email; it will make you feel less isolated and give you an advantage if you run in to any academic or personal struggles."
OSU's Computer Use Policy
All OSU students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the computer use policy posted on the Office of Student Conduct website. Disregard for this policy may result in account deactivation and referral to the Conduct office for review of the matter.
Your ONID account
An ONID account is required for you to access Blackboard, and provides you with your university email address. Your ONID email is your official OSU email, billing notification and all other OSU communications will be sent there. Be sure to check it regularly.
Email Etiquette
Email is a tool that can make communication easier. When misused, however, email can cause more problems than it solves. Here are a few tips for creating effective email messages:
Use a professional email address
OSU students, faculty and staff email addresses are considered professional. A personal email address may be filtered to junk mail (ex. fuzzybunny@yahoo.com).
Write the subject of the email in the subject line
Writing "Hey," "Hi," or "Important Info" in a subject line will make your email look like junk email. Write a subject line that is short but summarizes the email (ex. "Question about WR 101").
Do not write in all capital letters
It is generally considered SHOUTING.
Be concise
Most people have a lot of email to read. State your point as quickly as possible to make sure it gets read. Be sure to include all the important facts, but be brief.
Use spell check
Pay attention to grammar and spelling. While email is less formal than a letter, people will form an opinion of you based on how well you write.
Don't delete prior communication on reply
When you reply to an email, it is helpful to include the previous communication you've had with that person. Usually an email automatically includes this at the bottom of your message, don't delete it.
End with a signature that includes contact information
It is helpful to your recipients to have a signature that includes your full name, student ID number, email address and phone number. Example:
Benny Beaver
ID#: 930123456 (no dashes or spaces please)
beaverben@onid.orst.edu
Ph#: 541/737-9204
Never send an email when angry
Before sending a message, consider whether you would say what you have written to the person's face. The detached nature of email can cause people to say things they would never say in person. Email can be forwarded, and cannot be deleted after it has been sent. If you are angry, pause and write your email after you have calmed down.
Do not assume email is private
Forwarding email messages is common. Email containing confidential student information may be shared with authorized university faculty and staff. Also, some system administrators are able to read all messages sent or received.
Expected email turn-around-time
Feedback to student assignments and questions is constructive and provided in a timely manner. Instructor commits him/herself to a turn-around-time for normal student email messages within 2 working days, and communication of exam results within 7 working days unless students are informed otherwise.
It is a good idea to save your email messages, including your sent items, especially if you use email to communicate for a course. You never know when they will be helpful in proving that you communicated with an instructor or colleague.
Internet Safety
If you are concerned about internet safety, OSU has compiled a list of helpful resources. These sites are largely targeted to youth, parents and educators, and have information about cyberstalking, spyware and adware, identity theft, scams, fraud, safe downloading and more. You might consider bookmarking one or two of the following sites that look most helpful for you.
