Because the digital world now plays a bigger role in our daily lives, and because proper usage of the internet can be a predictor of success, UA has taken on the responsibility of supporting you in being your best self there as well.

As you plunge into the new world of communication and sharing, it is important to be aware that there are specific etiquette rules and guidelines that apply to online communication. These rules and guidelines are known as “netiquette” and are considered the pillars of good behavior on the internet.

This document features netiquette guidelines to help you practice respectful online communication and improve your cyberspace credibility and reputation.

• Keep in mind that there is a real person on the other side of the screen, so show respect and be mindful of the words you choose.
• Since you are in a professional setting, you should maintain a professional demeanor by using proper grammar, accurate spelling, and correct punctuation for better readability.
• It is important to remember that humor is a double-edged sword, so be careful not to sound offensive when making jokes, as they can be inappropriate or hurtful.
• Avoid spreading misinformation and provide factual information instead by referring to credible sources.
• Everyone makes mistakes, so make sure to be kind when drawing people’s attention to mistakes by sharing your comments in private so they can avoid repeating them in the future and make the necessary adjustments.
• Remember that nothing is strictly confidential and your online footprint may be permanent, so be cautious and communicate accordingly, especially when dealing with private information.
• Refrain from sharing any sensitive or confidential data, such as passwords, contact details, and video or audio files without the owner’s permission.

Lastly, remember that the golden rule is to always treat others the same way you want to be treated, regardless of the channel of communication.

Email Etiquette

Email is a crucial part of any business or personal interaction, but certain details may not be obvious to everyone who's just starting out. When emailing someone, you are meeting them in their virtual world, so remember that a good impression matters!

Here are a few guidelines to help you email effectively:

• Write a clear and direct subject line that accurately reflects the email content.
• Choose the appropriate level of formality. For instance, begin with an adequate salutation (“Dear __,”) based on your relationship with the recipient. Use courteous language such as “please” and “thank you” where necessary and always end your email with a proper closing line, e.g., “Best regards.” If appropriate, you may use a signature that contains your full name and contact details.
• Use proper language and titles and steer clear of slang or profane words.
• Write clearly and concisely by structuring your writing into short paragraphs and avoid sending heavy email attachments. You may sometimes need to briefly introduce yourself.
• Avoid writing in all caps and overusing exclamation marks, as it insinuates yelling at the recipient.
• Think twice before you type and restate your words when necessary. Bear in mind that your recipient can neither see your body language nor hear the tone of your voice to know your intention.
• Make appropriate use of the carbon copy (Cc) and blind carbon copy (Bcc) fields: Ensure that all relevant recipients who should be informed about a given matter are listed in the Cc field, and use the Bcc feature when sending an email to multiple recipients or when you wish to hide recipients.
• Never use the “Reply all” button unless absolutely necessary (if you really think that it is essential to send out the message to everyone on the list), for no one wants to read the dreaded long email thread or get annoying notifications of new messages from hundreds of people for something that has nothing to do with them.
• Treat others with respect and dignity and be aware of your emotional state. Understand the other person’s opinion, and if you feel the need to disagree, do so in a respectful manner. When emotions are running high, calm your inner storm and then send your message.
• Pay attention to the quality of your writing and proofread your message before sending it. Use complete sentences, make sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes, and use proper capitalization and punctuation.
• Add the recipient’s email address only after writing and proofreading your email, as it may be inadvertently sent to your recipient either incomplete or erroneous.
• Double-check the recipient’s email address before hitting the “Send” button.
• Make sure to use a relevant email address to let the recipient know exactly who is sending the email.
• Aim to respond to your emails in a timely manner, as a late response is considered discourteous, and make sure to answer every single email that requires a response from your end.

By following these simple guidelines and remembering why we have conversations, you can help make your online communication a truly meaningful experience for everyone involved.