Internet and Email Usage

INTERNET USE

The Department of Information Resource Management provides FAU with vital general computing and telecommunications services.  The Department serves as a consultant and coordinator for more specific information technology activities and projects carried on by the various University colleges, departments, administrative offices, and research groups. 

Policies governing the use of available technology are found on the IRM website, http://www.fau.edu/irm/web/.   Additional guidelines for approved use, including but not limited to internet use, may be found on the “ IRM Technology Policies” link.

E-MAIL GUIDELINES (DOS AND DON’TS)

·          Mail on the Internet is not secure.  Never include anything in an e-mail message that you would not want printed in the newspaper.  E-mail is sent unencrypted and is easily read.

·         Be careful if you send anything but plain ASCII text as e-mail.  Recipients may not have the ability to translate other documents. 

·         Be cognizant of system etiquette.  The computer you use may have limits regarding disk space usage.

·         Remember that some people have to pay for each byte of data they receive.  Please keep messages to the point without appearing terse or rude.

·         Sending threatening, slanderous, insubordinate and/or racially and/or sexually harassing messages is strictly prohibited.

·         Ponzi schemes are illegal and should not be transmitted through e-mail.

·         The representation of you as someone else, real or fictional, or a message sent anonymously is prohibited.

·         Include a signature (an identifier that automatically appends to your e-mail message) that contains the method(s) by which others can contact you (usually your phone number, fax number, etc). If the FAU logo is to accompany the signature portion of the e-mail, this logo must be obtained from the department of Creative Services.

·         For important items, let senders know you have received their e-mail, even if you cannot respond in-depth immediately.  They need to know their message has been received and read.

·         Sayings or quotes attached to the signature line or attached to the document could be perceived as an official university position. Use discretion.

·         Be careful when sending replies—make sure you are sending to a group when you want to send to a group and to an individual when you want to send to an individual.  It is best to address directly to a sender(s).  Check carefully, the “To” and “From” fields prior to sending your message. 

·         Watch punctuation and spelling.  It can reflect on your professionalism.  Use spell checking and grammar checking programs when possible.

·         SENDING MESSAGES TYPED ALL IN CAPITALS conveys that you are angry at the recipient(s).  Use initial capitals or some other symbol for emphasis such as bold type or underline. 

·         Remember that the recipient is a person with feelings.  Since they cannot see you, they cannot see your non-verbal cues. Be very cautious about how messages are worded.