Why does Netiquette matter?

The term "netiquette" refers to online etiquette over networks, such as emails, online communities, forums, and online learning environments. Electronic transmission of messages is a common means of communication between students, staff, and faculty at UWF. All the Rules of UWF Student Conduct apply even in the online class environment.

The university is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are treated with dignity and respect. The university affirms its desire to maintain a learning and living environment for all students that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. all members of the university community are responsible for ensuring that their conduct does not discriminate, harass or retaliate against others, and are to cooperate in maintaining a climate where discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are not tolerated.

UWF Student Code of Conduct, Common Rules of Netiquette


Most common rules fall under four categories:

  • Be scholarly,
  • Be respectful,
  • Be professional, and
  • Be polite.

Watch this video and consider which "netiquette" techniques will help you improve your online communications (Video published by uicurdev on Jun 12, 2012)

Tips for written communication 

  • Avoid using all caps. It is like you are shouting. 
  • If you are angry or have a strong opinion about something someone has written/posted, wait to reply until after you have calmed down. 
  • Do not forward emails without permission or copy discussions or chat dialog and post publicly.  
  • Be ethical, academically honest, and follow copyright laws.  Cite ideas and quotes that you have used from other people.
  • Be forgiving of other people's mistakes. Everyone at one time was new to online. Be gentle with those that might make mistakes. 
  • Texting has a place, and it is not in an online course.  It is probably safe to use emoticons and abbreviations in chatting but not messages or emails. 

Tips for live online sessions

  • Keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking.
  • Use the Chat, Raised Hand, and Emoticon tools to communicate with session panelists and hosts.
  • If you will be using a telephone to join the conference audio, NEVER place the call on hold. (Ref. the Audio section for instructions to exit and re-join session audio.)


  1. Shea V. The Core Rules of Netiquette. Online ed. Albion Books; 1994. http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html (Links to an external site.)
  2.  Best practices for great online meetings.  https://www.webex.com/content/dam/webex/eopi/assets/WebexMeetings_BestPractices.pdf (Links to an external site.)
  3. A complete version of the UWF-REG 3.010 Student Code of Conduct (Links to an external site.) is available online.


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