E-mail Etiquette

The following is a basis for the use of e-mail by students, staff, and faculty.

• The use of abusive or otherwise objectionable language is unacceptable
   
  
• Bryant will never send e-mails requesting your password, stating that if you do not reply your account will be closed or terminated.  The only time you will be asked for your password is if the Help Desk is working on your system and you will be aware of this.
   
  Hint: delete these messages if you receive them
   
  
• Pyramid schemes are illegal; do not participate in them. A pyramid scheme is any process whereby you are asked to send money to names on a list and then you put your name on that list and mail it to several people, hoping people will send you money.
   
  Hint: delete these messages if you receive them
   
  
• Do not participate in electronic chain letters. A chain letter is any letter which asks to be forwarded to other people, even if it is for a good cause. This is prohibited at Bryant University and frowned upon by the public. It causes unnecessary network traffic, wasted disk space and slows the mail delivery for everyone, remember the use of chain letters effects everyone.
   
  Hint: delete these messages if you receive them
   
  
• Do not send large attachments. They slow the network down, waste disk space, and sometimes can prevent someone's INBOX from opening correctly because the mail software runs out of memory.
   
  Hint: For transfer of large files use ftp. To transfer a large number of files try zipping them first before sending
   
  
• Do not spam other users by sending unsolicited junk mail. Do not spam newsgroups by posting messages which are not on the topic of the newsgroup or intended only to incite a flame war.
   
  Hint: remember your e-mail address is traceable!
   
  
• Do not send messages to large distribution lists without careful planning and only when absolutely necessary. Divide your lists into smaller groups (less than 100) and send messages at fifteen minute intervals to give the SMTP outgoing mail server a chance to work through your previous set of messages. If you overwhelm the mail server, everyone's mail will be delayed, including your own.
   
  Hint: As an alternative, consider using the Bryant University Bulletin Board
   
  
• Do not send e-mail under names other than your own. Known as spoofing, this is against the policies at Bryant University and you will be subject to serious disciplinary actions as a result
   
  
• Do not assume that e-mail is secure or confidential. Others may be able to read your message even over someone's shoulder
   
  
• Check e-mail regularly (at least daily) and delete unwanted messages as quickly as possible. Disk space is finite and computer users must be good stewards of this resource.  
  
  Hint: to improve e-mail performance divide your saved e-mail into folders and do not leave them in your inbox
   
  
• To express anger at someone in an unprofessional fashion (called flaming) is unacceptable.