PHY 109: Astronomy and Cosmology The Solar System
Fall 2003 Prof. Cote's Website • Astronomy at Rutgers • Department of Physics & Astronomy • Rutgers University
Last updated August 1, 2003
Some Friendly Suggestions on The Use of Email
E-mail is a great communication tool and, if used properly, will help you get the most out of the class. Although I prefer not to handle questions about the course material via email (please see me during office hours for that), you may e-mail questions to me or grader with logistical questions about the class or assignments. However, please keep the following in mind:
Your instructors may receive many e-mails in a short time. Don't expect a response within the hour. Your instructor is not on duty 24/7 and does not sit by his or her terminal waiting to read and respond to e-mail instantly. However, sometimes e-mails are overlooked or forgotten, so if you haven't received a response within 2 business days (Monday-Friday), you may feel free to send a polite reminder.
Before you send a question, be sure to check the class web page or help page in WebAssign before you send it. Answers to common questions will be posted in one or both locations.
E-mails are a professional communication and should be written as such. E-mails should have the following format:
A polite salutation. (Respected Professor, Dear Prof. Smith, or Prof. Smith are all acceptable, "Yo Profmeister" is not).A clear, concise statement of your problem or question, written in good English and without internet short-hand. Messages which contain remarks such as "When r u in ur office?", numerous grammatical or spelling errors, incoherent sentences, profanity, or rude remarks may be ignored. If you have a question on homework, be as specific as you can on what you've done. Questions such as "I don't understand problem 7, can you help?" cannot be answered in an e-mail.
Conclude with your full name. This is especially important if your e-mail name is not your real name. Also, please give your name as listed on the roster, not your nickname.
[ Return to Top of Page ]
Recommended web browser to view this site is Netscape Navigator 4.0 (or above) with video display supporting at least 256 colors.
High color (16 bit) or true color (24 bit) display is preferred.