Faculty must respond to student emails within 24 hours. The responces must clearly address the student issues and provide effective assistance.
Stephanie,
Good rule of thumb. The 24 or 48 hour rule is a good thing. It does minimize other emails. Good point. Thanks!
We are asked to reply to email within 48 hours. While this is not unreasonable one has to make sure that you check your emails often. I also have a cell phone that students are able to contact me directly via phone or text. This minimizes a lot of the emails that i receive and I am able to directly answer the student and give them immediate feedback.
Stephanie
Daron,
It's good to be available, but setting rules/regulations such as "I will respond within 24-48 hours" is good. Don't become a 24-7 instructor. I even put in my syllabus when my office hours are and tell students that is when I check/respond to email and discussion board postings. Thanks!
As far as rules for responding to student emails, I try to keep that open. It is always the first thing I check when I open the class each day and I return at the end as well. I feel like I want to be available as much as I can and if at all possible I want to respond that day. I know that they are writing because they are concerned about an important school matter.
Rosalind,
By addressing the students by name and signing with your name, you are setting a professional tone for email communication. Students will follow your lead. Nice job.
When emailing students, I address them by name and close with my name. I keep the conversation centered around the course room and professional and ask the students to do the same. I inform the students to not send any personal photos or discuss any personal information which is not related to the course. I ask the students to be polite in their conversation and respect others during their communication.
Krystal,
Sounds like you are adding a personal touch to your emails. I am sure this motivates many students. Thanks for sharing.
I personally email students concerning grades, missed work, low test scores and any personal matter. The only group email I feel is appropriate is when you are announcing a time change for labs or an emergence email. I find that the more personal the email, the better the cooperation.
Dehlly,
Sounds like we have a lot in common. I, and others, do many of these things as well. Thanks for sharing.
CONSICE, TO THE POINT EMAILS.
ONLY FOR PERSONAL ISSUES.
COURSE CONTENT ISSUES SHOULD BE POSTED IN THE DB.
USE OF PROPER, STANDARD ENGLISH.
Emily ,
Checking email twice a day is a good system. Many instructor check every hour or 10 times per day and that's really not necessary. A 24 hour policy is standard. Nice job.
I certainly get back to my students within 24 hours. I check my email twice a day to make sure that I meet my schools 24 hour reply policy. I always address my students by their name as well as a greeting (even though they do not do the same!) I make sure that my responses are clear and professional. As well as letting them know that I am always around for any follow ups.
Janelle,
The 24 hour rule is typical and some say 24-48 hours. Professionalism is so essential. If I get hostile emails from students, I calm reply with a brief message stating the facts and typically referring the students to the rubric or syllabus. I also remind them of the netiquette/professionalism policy. I respond with email, but I know some call students. I do not. Hope this helps.
I have a few rules that I follow:
1. Reply within 24 hours
2. Keep my tone professional while allowing space to be personal.
3. Take students at their word. If they state that they are sick, I reply compassionately. If they state that a family member died, I offer my condolences. I try to remain human while also staying professional.
4. Answer all of their questions to the best of my ability and if I do not have an answer, explain that I will get back to them.
5. Create an atmosphere where it is acceptable to email me as needed.
I have a question for other instructors. How do you handle emails from students that are hostile? Do you respond to them via email or do you believe that a phone call is warranted?
Natasha,
Do you have a specific time of day you check email? Just wondering what works for you. We are all trying to find that balance. Thanks!
I check my email once a day. My rule for emailing my students back is 24 hours. Depending on the email I can send a quick response and then some emails require me to research or perform another task before replying back to the student email.
William,
The 24-48 hour rule is a good one. Don't feel pressured to answer every few hours. It can put more stress on you. Don't forget to balance you time at work and for personal/family time.
My university requires that I respond to emails by 48 hrs. I check my email several times per day seven days per week, thus I respond to emails within a few hours. I am FT, so I have that opportunity which adjunct faculty may not. I don't expect my faculty that I supervise to do so. I do expect that they respond within 48 hrs. vIf they don't students often got to their advisors and the situation gets esculated.
Lisa,
Many online instructors use the 24-48 hour rule. It's a good one to follow. Thanks!
