Cedarville University Online Etiquette / Netiquette Guidelines
Cedarville University is a community of believers accountable to one another, called to reflect the character of Jesus Christ and to be obedient to His Word. We hold to the following core values: love for God love for others, integrity in conduct, and excellence in effort.
These core values – as well as professionalism – should be displayed through your participation in online communication with peers and faculty. While online learning environments offer flexibility and help you develop essential skills for professional and respectful interactions, the skills that enable you to succeed in a traditional classroom are also essential for successful online learning.
Online communication is primarily written, so it's important to recognize that verbal and non-verbal cues differ from face-to-face environments. Keep the following guidelines in mind when communicating using technology such as email, chat rooms, discussion boards, and video chat.
Love for God
Behaviors that demonstrate love for God include:
- Keeping God's command to love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind as you diligently complete your studies and communicate with faculty and classmates.
- Representing God's Word faithfully in your communication.
- Letting God's Spirit help shape your interactions, making sure they are respectful and positive.
- Letting biblical principles guide your thoughts and arguments.
Examples:
- Be a faithful steward of your study time and class interactions to understand God's Word and world. Focus on your personal learning – and contributing to overall learning with good communication – instead of only on grades.
- Encourage and motivate your classmates by sharing positive messages based on God's truth.
- Avoid language that might come across as harsh or offensive.
Biblical Perspectives:
Matthew 22:37-38; John 13:35; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Love for Others
Behaviors that demonstrate love for others through respect and kindness include:
- Respecting your teachers by using their proper titles (e.g., Mr., Ms., or Dr.).
- Respecting your classmates, their opinions, and backgrounds.
- Avoiding judgmental comments and appreciating diversity of culture and experience.
- Respecting other people's privacy.
Examples:
- Address teachers respectfully using their preferred titles.
- Submit individual and group assignments on time.
- Avoid typing in ALL CAPS as it can feel like yelling.
- Be understanding of spelling and grammar mistakes—everyone makes them.
- Keep email attachments small and accessible.
- If someone says something you don’t understand or agree with, ask polite questions for clarification.
- Get permission before sharing personal information about classmates or teachers.
- Avoid any language that could come across as bullying, demeaning, racist, or offensive.
Biblical Perspectives:
Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:29, 32; James 1:19
Integrity in Conduct
Behaviors that demonstrate integrity in conduct include:
- Adhering to Cedarville's Academic Integrity Policy.
- Following technology guidelines responsibly.
- Respecting additional rules set by your school or program.
Examples:
- Provide truthful, accurate, and credible responses to teachers and classmates.
- Avoid plagiarism—always give credit when referencing or quoting other people's work.
- Don't share inappropriate material with others.
- Remember that online classes are still classrooms, and your identity is known. Behave accordingly.
Biblical Perspectives:
Proverbs 4:25-27, 11:3; Luke 16:10; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Ephesians 4:25; Philippians 4:8
Excellence in Effort
Behaviors that demonstrate excellence in effort through professionalism, participation, and collaboration include:
- Prepare clear, comprehensive, and grammatically correct responses.
- Use clear and formal language, and be cautious with emoticons, humor, or sarcasm.
- Be patient and gracious in the content and tone of your communication.
Examples:
- Read, proofread, and edit your messages before sending them.
- Stay on topic when discussing class content.
- Read all relevant postings before writing a response to make sure your comments fit the ongoing discussion.
- Use humor carefully—it doesn't always translate well online, and it's easy to be misunderstood.
Biblical Perspectives:
Proverbs 18:21, 25:11, 29:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 4:6
Next Steps for Violations of Guidelines
Students:
- Seeking Peace and Resolution: If issues arise, please refer to the Seeking Shalom - Student Complaint and Conflict Resolution website for guidance.
Faculty:
- Faculty Support and Accountability: Teachers may help guide students through challenges, aiming for both personal growth and community support.
- Disciplinary Action: If violations occur, they may result in disciplinary actions, in accordance with Cedarville's policies on academic integrity and conduct. Refer to the Vice President for Academics' website for more information.
Biblical Perspectives:
Proverbs 18:21, 25:11, 29:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17, 4:6
Final Thoughts
Even though online environments may feel different from the traditional classroom, the expectations of respect, integrity, and excellence remain the same. Let's work together to create a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.