Dear Student,
If you've received a link to this web page, it's because either I or one of my teaching colleagues directed you here. And if you're here, it's for one simple reason.
You either don't know how to send a proper email or you neglected to do so.
It's okay. We forgive you. In our blogging, tweeting, and text messaging world, it's far too easy to neglect simple email etiquette. However, you need to know that failure to observe proper decorum in this regard can be perceived as being quite rude and can come across as careless or disrespectful on your part, even if you didn't intend it to do so.
As a result, I simply will not respond to your email until you format it properly and proofread it before you send it. If you're not in one of my classes, your professor feels the same way and has my permission to send you to this page.
If I directed you here, you neglected to proofread your message (inexcusable, since you're emailing an English professor) or failed to include basic components of a proper message that actually made your message appear somewhat rude. If someone else pointed you here, I imagine they have similar reasons.
So I created this web page to help all students learn how to write a proper email. Rather than chastise you personally, I simply forwarded you a link to this page. Please, take the time to read this message before you resend your email. If you don't at least attempt to send a proper message, I won't read any further messages from you.
But don't take it personally. Unfortunately, you're in good company these days.
Here are a few email writing protocols to keep in mind.
Use a Proper Salutation
It comes across as far too brash when you simply begin your email with a request or statement. I prefer "Dr. Rasnic" or "Professor Rasnic." Honestly, you can't go wrong with using "Professor" with all your teachers, since that's our appropriate title regardless of whether we hold a doctorate. Never call your professor by his or her first name unless you've been given permission to do so.
And "Hey prof" doesn't count as an appropriate salutation in case you were curious.
Use a Proper Closing
Similarly, bring your email to an appropriate close. Use "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or another appropriate preliminary closing before adding your name. Also include the specific course you're in so that I'll know exactly who you are. I probably will anyway, but I've got over a hundred students each long semester, which is quite a few students.
Be Polite
A well-placed "please" or "thank you" can go a long way. We're here to help and teach you, but we're not your servants, nor are we obligated to reply within seconds of having received your message. The difference between "What's my last quiz grade" and "Can you please tell me what I made on my last quiz" is that between receiving an answer and the email going in the virtual trash can. Also, if I answer your question timely and appropriately, why not send me an appropriate thank you message? I'll notice if you don't.
Have a Descriptive Subject Line
I receive numerous emails every day. A subject line that hints at the email's meaning can bring about a more timely response.
Proofread
This suggestion is self-explanatory. You should always proofread any emails you send, but especially those to your college professors (even if your professor doesn't teach English, he or she still deserves the respect of a properly written email).
Avoid Text-Speak
Similarly, avoid "textese" in email messages. Ur is an ancient Sumerian city, not a pronoun.
Be Realistic
If a paper is due at 10:00 pm, don't email me at 5:00 pm asking me to review your draft. Believe it or not, I have a life outside of your class. I don't sit at home with bated breath eagerly hitting the email "refresh" button in the hopes of receiving your paper at the last minute.
Be Succinct
Again, I get a lot of emails. Please be as brief as possible without being brusque.
At the end of this page you can see an appropriate sample email. Use it as a guide when you email me (or your other professors) back.
And please know that the only reason I (or one of my colleagues) sent you to this page is that we genuinely care about your education. Knowing how to communicate as an intelligent, polite adult will set you apart from the crowd and will only help you in your future academic career and beyond.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Rasnic
Professor of English
SAMPLE EMAIL
Hi Professor Rasnic,
I'm working on my argumentative essay, and I was curious if you had time to look at my introduction. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bart Simpson
Eng 1302 S07
If you've received a link to this web page, it's because either I or one of my teaching colleagues directed you here. And if you're here, it's for one simple reason.
You either don't know how to send a proper email or you neglected to do so.
It's okay. We forgive you. In our blogging, tweeting, and text messaging world, it's far too easy to neglect simple email etiquette. However, you need to know that failure to observe proper decorum in this regard can be perceived as being quite rude and can come across as careless or disrespectful on your part, even if you didn't intend it to do so.
As a result, I simply will not respond to your email until you format it properly and proofread it before you send it. If you're not in one of my classes, your professor feels the same way and has my permission to send you to this page.
If I directed you here, you neglected to proofread your message (inexcusable, since you're emailing an English professor) or failed to include basic components of a proper message that actually made your message appear somewhat rude. If someone else pointed you here, I imagine they have similar reasons.
So I created this web page to help all students learn how to write a proper email. Rather than chastise you personally, I simply forwarded you a link to this page. Please, take the time to read this message before you resend your email. If you don't at least attempt to send a proper message, I won't read any further messages from you.
But don't take it personally. Unfortunately, you're in good company these days.
Here are a few email writing protocols to keep in mind.
Use a Proper Salutation
It comes across as far too brash when you simply begin your email with a request or statement. I prefer "Dr. Rasnic" or "Professor Rasnic." Honestly, you can't go wrong with using "Professor" with all your teachers, since that's our appropriate title regardless of whether we hold a doctorate. Never call your professor by his or her first name unless you've been given permission to do so.
And "Hey prof" doesn't count as an appropriate salutation in case you were curious.
Use a Proper Closing
Similarly, bring your email to an appropriate close. Use "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or another appropriate preliminary closing before adding your name. Also include the specific course you're in so that I'll know exactly who you are. I probably will anyway, but I've got over a hundred students each long semester, which is quite a few students.
Be Polite
A well-placed "please" or "thank you" can go a long way. We're here to help and teach you, but we're not your servants, nor are we obligated to reply within seconds of having received your message. The difference between "What's my last quiz grade" and "Can you please tell me what I made on my last quiz" is that between receiving an answer and the email going in the virtual trash can. Also, if I answer your question timely and appropriately, why not send me an appropriate thank you message? I'll notice if you don't.
Have a Descriptive Subject Line
I receive numerous emails every day. A subject line that hints at the email's meaning can bring about a more timely response.
Proofread
This suggestion is self-explanatory. You should always proofread any emails you send, but especially those to your college professors (even if your professor doesn't teach English, he or she still deserves the respect of a properly written email).
Avoid Text-Speak
Similarly, avoid "textese" in email messages. Ur is an ancient Sumerian city, not a pronoun.
Be Realistic
If a paper is due at 10:00 pm, don't email me at 5:00 pm asking me to review your draft. Believe it or not, I have a life outside of your class. I don't sit at home with bated breath eagerly hitting the email "refresh" button in the hopes of receiving your paper at the last minute.
Be Succinct
Again, I get a lot of emails. Please be as brief as possible without being brusque.
At the end of this page you can see an appropriate sample email. Use it as a guide when you email me (or your other professors) back.
And please know that the only reason I (or one of my colleagues) sent you to this page is that we genuinely care about your education. Knowing how to communicate as an intelligent, polite adult will set you apart from the crowd and will only help you in your future academic career and beyond.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Rasnic
Professor of English
SAMPLE EMAIL
Hi Professor Rasnic,
I'm working on my argumentative essay, and I was curious if you had time to look at my introduction. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Bart Simpson
Eng 1302 S07