Mass communication and journalism faculty and their electronic communication with college students: A nationwide examination

Abstract

Nearly 700 U.S. journalism and mass communication faculty reported their perceptions of student e-mail use via a Web-based survey. This nationwide study focused on content of e-mail received by faculty and made comparisons based on faculty gender. Nearly half of the respondents reported that they occasionally receive e-mails from students before a test or assignment is due claiming illness or some other emergency. Approximately 42% of the respondents receive e-mails from students that complain about grades. Additional results indicated significant differences based on instructor gender. Findings suggest the need for journalism and mass communication faculty to take a more active role in teaching students proper e-mail etiquette so students can overcome perceived gender stereotyping and communicate effectively in the workplace.