What is Microsoft Teams Etiquette? 

Based on research and best practices from Microsoft, here are some guidelines to consider when establishing communication ground rules. 

For faculty: 

• Be clear at the beginning of the semester how you’d like students to communicate with you. Guidelines can be provided in the class syllabus.  Indicate how long it may take you to reply to Microsoft Teams messages and whether you’d like students to use that as a tool of communication. 
• Refrain from sending duplicate messages using multiple communication methods.  Use the preferred communication method you communicated to your students. (i.e., do not send the same message over Teams and email) 
• Use your Teams status to indicate your availability. For instructions, view this Microsoft support page.  

For students: 

• Ask your professor about their preferred method of communication and use it. 
• Follow your professor’s guidelines on how long it may take them to respond to an email or Teams message; remember other students and faculty are also contacting them. 
• Refrain from using the call function within Teams to contact your professor, unless previously discussed or scheduled. 

Reminders for faculty AND students practicing Microsoft Teams etiquette and respectful communication: 

• Respect when the “Do Not Disturb” status is turned on. 
• Use private chat channels for individual matters.
• Use the “like” button to acknowledge messages. 
• Use reactions and GIFs only when appropriate. 
• Respect Teams availability status. 
• Use the edit function to alter sent messages rather than resending a new message with similar information. (Click on the ellipses […] by the message you want to send) 
• Keep messages short and concise. 
• Use chat threads to maintain productivity and cleanliness. 
• Download the Teams app on your mobile device and laptop. 
• Use out-of-office replies when you will be unavailable for an extended period. 
• Notify all participants on a Teams meeting when you plan on recording the meeting.  

If you are unfamiliar with navigating Microsoft Teams, below are a few benefits and tips for mastering meetings and chats: 

• Teams will alert you when someone starts a meeting that you’re scheduled to be in. 
• Make sure to mute your microphone before joining a Teams meeting. 
• When in a video call, utilize tools such as background blur or apply a background to keep the focus on you and reduce background distractions. 
• Recording your Teams meeting will capture audio, video and screen-sharing activity. 
• Teams has a seamless experience from desktop to mobile app. You can view chat history, incoming chats, meeting notes and join meetings from the Teams app.