Email etiquette – expectations

Do I really need to send an email about this?

Before emailing a staff member, check to see if you can find the answer to your question first on the module Canvas page, Sussex Direct, previous emails or the university webpages.

Tip: Try Googling ‘University of Sussex’ and the information you’re looking for, e.g. ‘University of Sussex reasonable adjustments’.

Remember, finding information as a lawyer is a fundamental skill. If you can’t find the information you need, check the right person to contact here.

Email etiquette

Email etiquette is a central component of professional and academic practice. Please follow these basic principles when you are emailing other students and staff at Sussex Law School:

  1. Before sending an email, think. Ask yourself – is email the best way to communicate/ask a question/express my view? Ensure you follow the University’s dignity and respect policy at all times.
  2. Address the person. In your email, address the person to whom you are writing to appropriately: ‘Dear Hadi’, ‘Dear Verona’
  3. Provide a clear subject heading: Indicate clearly what you are writing about in the subject heading and text of the email. Before sending, check whether the query will be clear to the recipient. e.g. Land Law Seminar Query.
  4. Use appropriate language and punctuation throughout your email. Attention to detail is an important legal and academic skill. Avoid ‘text’ speak.
  5. Sign off your email with your full name and seminar group number if relevant. Your tutors teach on different modules and may not know who you are and what your query relates to if you do not make it clear to them.

Example:

Dear Teresa,

My name is X. I attended your Land Law seminar today at 3pm. Unfortunately, I am still struggling with X. Could I please arrange to come and meet you in your office hours?

With regards,

Verona Ni Drisceoil (Seminar Group 3, Land Law) or

Verona Ni Drisceoil (Year 1 Law Student, 2026/27)

Top tip: add a permanent signature to your email

Watch this short video showing how to add a signature to your emails in Outlook.

Contact us

Instagram: @sussexlaw
LinkedIn: University of Sussex Department of Law

Get in touch with v.ni-drisceoil@sussex.ac.uk if you have any questions or are unable to access any of the material available.