• I. Introduction and Overview
• II. Advising Committe and Plan of Study
• III. Program and Degree Requirements
• IV. Procedures for Thesis and Dissertation
• V. Student Evaluation
• VI. Student Financial Support
• VII. Organization Structure of the Department Psychology
• VIII. Ethical Issues and Grievances
• IX. Professionalism and Professional Etiquette
• IX.A. Student Assistance
• IX.B. Dress in Professional Environments
• IX.C. Responsibilities Regarding Websites, Blogs, Email, Email Signature and Answering Machine/Voice Mail Messages
• IX.D. Phones
• IX.E. Email
• IX.F. Use of Technology
• IX.G. Public Statements
• IX.H. H. Departmental Letterhead and Envelopes
• X. Program Area Supplements

IX.E. Email

With regard to email messages, it is important to be professional in all communications concerning oneself, others, or the program. One is not in control of who eventually views these emails (e.g., if they are forwarded to others or inadvertently sent out to a complete email list) or how the content of the email will affect the impressions others may form of you, both personally and professionally.

West Virginia University provides a GroupWise account for all graduate students upon entering the University. The account is free of charge and remains active as long as the student remains actively enrolled. The assigned email address constitutes an official means of departmental and University communication. Important program information and announcements are made primarily through email messages sent to GroupWise email addresses, thus it is critical that students check their messages regularly.

According to University email policy, the University does not routinely monitor or screen electronic mail. However, the University reserves the right, consistent with this policy and applicable law, to access, review and release all electronic information that is transmitted over or stored in University Systems or facilities, whether or not such information is private in nature, and therefore complete confidentiality or privacy of electronic mail cannot be guaranteed. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed because of the nature of the medium, the need for authorized staff to maintain electronic mail systems, and the University’s accountability as a public institution, as well as in instances involving the health or safety of people or property; violations of University codes of conduct, regulations, policies, or law; other legal responsibilities or obligations of the University; or the locating of information required for University business.