Parkland Email (OUTLOOK)
Parkland uses Microsoft Outlook to manage our email. A link to email can be found on the Connect portal or by typing in the address bar of your browser: https://go.parkland.edu
You should check your Parkland email daily. Even if you have a different email address that you prefer to use, faculty and staff who need to contact you will use your Parkland email address.
When sending an email message to an instructor, there are a few guidelines you should follow. One of the most useful pieces of information your instructor will want to know is which class and section you're emailing about. As much as we would like to memorize our class rosters, most of us don't. Read below for other guidelines to follow when sending email to your professors.
Email Basics
If you are new to using email, the following video explains the basics:
Library Tech Academy: Email Basics Part 1
If you are a part of a Summer Grants Program learning about Digital Literacy, please send me an email to let me know you have read the email guidelines. My email address is: lmcpike@parkland.edu
If you would like to practice, you may send a message to Leann McPike at lmcpike@parkland.edu and I will be happy to reply. As noted above, please indicate in your subject line that you are in the Computer Literacy class.
Email Guidelines
Your professors want to hear from you. When you have questions, when you run into difficulties, or even when you’re enjoying an activity, we want to know!
However, there are some guidelines to keep in mind when sending an email message to your instructor to help your message sound professional and be well received by the recipient.
Subject Line
Use the Subject line to summarize the content of the message. This helps the instructor to prioritize and prepare. For example, “Missing Class” or “Homework Question” gives your professor a general idea of what is inside the message. If there is no subject at all, it can be given a lower priority.
Greeting
Starting your message with a pleasant greeting is always appreciated. For example, “Good morning, Professor Jones” or “Hello Mrs. Cho” sets a conversational tone that your professor will likely appreciate.
Body of the Email
This is where you clearly state your questions or requests. Provide as much information as you can to help your professor understand exactly what your question is and/or what you need help with.
Be sure to spell out all words and try to use correct grammar and punctuation. “Need ur help plz” is not appropriate. “I need your help, please” is much better.
Include the class number and section
Most faculty teach multiple classes, or multiple sections of a class. So if the body of your email reads, “I need help with the assignment” without including the class information, you could be making your professor go online to look up your schedule in order to figure out which class and assignment you’re referring to. Or you might get a short reply asking “Which class? What assignment?”
Closing
Much like a pleasant greeting, closing with a “Thank you” or “Have a good day” is always a nice touch.
Your name
Finally, sign off with your name. This can be your full name, or it can be just your first name. This isn’t essential, since your name will likely appear along with your email address. But it sets a good tone. Further, if you prefer to go by a nickname or middle name, this is a way to convey that to your professor.
Don’t hit send when you’re angry
Once a message hits a person’s inbox, it cannot be taken back. It’s all right to write an email when angry. Just wait until you’re feeling calmer to reread your words and edit appropriately before clicking on that Send button.
