Digital Etiquette

Introduction

Colleges and universities often function as small towns with their own habits, expectations and unwritten rules. One of the most important "laws" on campus is the college code of conduct. These documents generally state the values of the college and provide guidance on specific rules and punishments that can be dealt to students and student behavior generally. In some cases, violating the college code of conduct can lead to being expelled from the university. Other parts of the code sometimes spell out how you can appeal a college decision you disagree with. In any case, it is worth your time to become familiar with your college's code of conduct. To further explain what these documents require, we'll explore some examples from public colleges and private colleges.

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The College Code of Conduct: Public University Examples

To better understand what college codes of conduct require of students, it is useful to look at a few examples from public institutions around the United States. In the event a student is accused of violating the code of conduct, these documents usually describe punishments and how students can appeal decisions.
University of Washington Student Code of Conduct
In addition to defining standards of conduct for students, the code also discusses off-campus activity, the appeals process and how decisions are made when the code is violated. The University of Washington Code also prohibits hazing, damaging university property, restricts the possession of firearms on campus, and a requirement that students conduct themselves in an honest and professional manner. Interestingly, the Code of Conduct for the university is actually issued by the Washington State Legislature.
Georgia State University Student Code of Conduct and Policies
The requirements of Georgia State are comparable to U.W. in some respects. For example, the code of conduct defines how students will be judged when they violate the code and how they can appeal decisions they disagree with. The Georgia State Code also singles out several types of problematic student behavior that can result in disciplinary action such as alcohol use, drug use, hazing and sexual misconduct. Beyond these common requirements, the Georgia State Code also governs freedom of expression on campus and student organizations.
Florida State University Student Conduct Code
As with the University of Washington example above, the Florida State Conduct code is part of the state's law. The document sets out rules regarding harassment, hazing, weapons (firearms and other kinds), use of illegal drugs and alcohol, gambling and use of university computers. Many university's have IT policies and standards that define how students can use their college's technology but not all place those requirements directly into the college code of conduct. The Florida Code also defines student rights and the process students go through if they are accused of violating the code.

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The College Code of Conduct: Private University Examples

Codes of conduct at private colleges and universities share many similarities with public colleges. For example, damaging university property and alcohol use are often covered in student codes of conduct in most cases. However, private schools are not directly under the authority of state governments in the same way as public schools.
Dartmouth College Standards of Conduct
Dartmouth's code of conduct is presented as part of the student handbook. Though most codes of conduct require students to be honest, Dartmouth's standards apply to applicants as well; there is an entire standard relating to "Misrepresentation in Admission Materials." As an Ivy League college, it is understandable that Dartmouth's administration is concerned with inaccurate, false or otherwise misleading admissions information. The rest of Dartmouth's standards cover typical ground including sexual misconduct, weapons, hazing and so forth. Dartmouth's standards are also noteworthy insofar as they also include a section on copyright.
Pepperdine University
As a private Christian university, Pepperdine's code of conduct has some special requirements. One of the general principles of the code is based on religious beliefs: "... all members of the University community are encouraged to respect the teachings of Jesus and historic, biblical Christianity." As with most institutions of higher education, Pepperdine's code also prohibits harassment, violence and any activity that may violate local, state or federal laws. The code also singles out the use of false identification, advertising on campus without permission and sexual activity outside of marriage. Students seeking to study in a Christian environment may find Pepperdine (and other Christian colleges) offer exactly what they want.

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Bellow are listed 10 examples of Netiquette.

1. Remember the Human -  Never forget that the person reading your communication is actually a person with feelings and can get hurt. Essentially never say anything online that wouldn't say to your reader’s face (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84).
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life - Be ethical in your engagement and know that breaking the law is bad netiquette (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84).
3. Know where you are in cyberspace - The netiquette required will differ from domain to domain. If you are in a forum of experts, your netiquette should reflect respect. Whereas if you are in a chat room with a group of friends (you know in real life) then the netiquette will differ (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84)
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth - When sharing files or documents, bear in mind the audience’s bandwidth. Furthermore, make sure you read the FAQs first before asking mundane questions where the answers already exist. If you disagree with a group’s discussion, don’t waste their (or your) time by telling them how stupid they are: Just stay away (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84).
5. Make yourself look good online - Check grammar and spelling before you post. Most people judge others’ intelligence based on the use of grammar and spelling. Only post on things you know about, it is not worth it to look like the fool.
6. Share expert knowledge - Offer answers and help others where you can (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 84).
7. Help keep flame wars under control - Don’t respond to flame-bait, don’t post spelling or grammar flames, and apologize if you have done so or perpetuated a flame-war Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85).
8. Respect other people’s privacy - Don’t give out other people’s details, online or offline (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85).
9. Don’t abuse your power - The more power you have, the more important it is how you use it (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85).
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes - We were all once beginners and should accept that everyone has to start somewhere (Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015, 85).

 When communicating online, only say things that you would say to a person’s face.



 Adhere to the same real life behavioural standards online.

 Being aware of whom you’re communicating with can be a guide as to which level of netiquette to use.

 Respect the user’s bandwidth when sharing files. Do not waste a user’s time with unnecessary comments and questions.

 Keep a good online image by portraying high intelligence through your personal posts.

 Help others where you can.

 Keep hostile interactions to a minimum.

 Do not provide strangers with another user’s personal details without permission.

 Do not abuse the power you have – use it correctly.

 Do not criticize someone for having little online experience.

(Digital Citizenship Module Manual, 2015: 84 + 85)

(Wingate and Kalbag, 1998: 26)

Penalties for Non-compliance

 Anyone who communicates inappropriately through messaging will be given a verbal warning. If it happens again you will receive a written warning. If the action is seen as harassment, it could lead to a court case or termination.

 If anyone fails to adhere to the amount of document sharing, especially if they are non-work related, connection to the internet will be terminated.

 Anyone with an issue helping someone less experienced online will be suspended for non-compliance to teamwork.

 If anyone’s personal information is shared without permission, that person will be labelled ‘un-trustworthy’ and may be expelled.