Trinity College uses email as the official means of communication with students.
- Unless they state otherwise, deans, faculty, and administrators will reach out to you via your @duke.edu email address.
- Alternate forms of communication (e.g., text messages) are not the norm. Expect emails, so check often and respond promptly.
Procedures and Best Practices
As a young adult and aspiring professional, note the following email practices:
- Check email at least twice a day.
- Respond to emails from Duke staff within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the email.
- If you need more time to collect your thoughts, a best practice is to email the sender a brief reply indicating that you received their email and will soon have a more complete response to send them.
- Even when a response does not seem necessary, a best practice is to send a quick “Thank you” to let the sender know you have read and understood it.
- Respond to emails from Duke staff within 24 to 48 hours of receiving the email.
- Appropriate terms of address:
- Deans: Dean _____ or Dr. _____
- Faculty: Professor _____ or Dr. _____ (Ph.D. after last name indicates Dr.)
- Administrators: Ms. _____, Mr. _____ or Dr. _____ (if Ph.D. in their Duke bio)
- Avoid first names, unless invited to use them.
Why Does This Matter:
- Developing best practices when working with email can position you for success both academically and professionally.
- Your willingness and ability to thoughtfully navigate email demonstrate courtesy and organization.
- On the contrary, failure to check your email and to respond in a timely manner could lead to negative consequences.