Whether you're communicating in person or interacting using technology at PBA, such as Canvas, email, or texts, it is important to demonstrate respectful behavior toward others.

Below are a few simple rules you can follow to help you communicate effectively with your classmates or teachers when engaging in online conversations, whether in discussion forums, emails, or video chats:

Read content thoroughly

Thoroughly reading your professor's prompts in a discussion or your classmates' comments is essential for understanding what others are trying to communicate to you. Taking time to understand the content of a message can help you write replies that fully address the recipient's comments or questions.

Create posts that are academically appropriate

Create online posts that are appropriate for an academic setting. Keep your comments civil, thoughtful, and constructive. Do not use text messaging abbreviations (for example, OMG, LOL, BTW). Check your work for spelling and grammar before submitting it. Cite your sources accurately.

Ensure your messages are clear

Being clear in your communication can help people properly interpret your messages online. Write simple sentences and define unfamiliar words or acronyms so the recipients can understand your message clearly. You might create an outline or a draft in a Word document before writing a discussion post in Canvas or email to help you identify what to include and how to organize the information. After writing, reread your message and determine if your message is as clear as possible or if you need to revise anything.

Use a friendly tone and respectful language

Being respectful can help you communicate better with your peers and make connections digitally. Using a kind tone is important for conveying respect online. Tone refers to how your messages sound to your recipients, including your word choice and syntax. Only post a comment if you would say it to someone's face. Here are a few more ways you can convey kindness on the internet:

Use positive words in your messages.
Be friendly and write polite comments.
Offer praise to other users when relevant.
Use phrases like "please" and "thank you."
Do not use profanities.
Do not use all capital letters—it is considered SHOUTING.

Practice empathy

Empathy involves practicing patience and understanding when interacting with others. When speaking to someone on the internet, you can use empathy to better relate to their emotions and experiences. For example, if someone says something you disagree with, you can practice empathy by listening actively and asking respectful questions to better understand their point of view.

The PBA Community Values statement you signed when applying to PBA (and the Community Values System in The Navigator) provides you with complete guidelines for interacting with others. Information in your course, other departmental pages, The Navigator, and the PBA catalog supersedes the information here.