Story perspectives

Academics Debate Email Etiquette: 'Hey' vs. Formal Greetings

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Seohee Ashley Park, a Victoria University of Wellington lecturer, says emails to professors should avoid "hey" and notes many academics ignore such messages.
Liban Ali, the student association president, says informal greetings are common among students and should not hinder communication, emphasizing staff empathy.
Colleen Trolove, a communication trainer, supported casual greetings as reflecting changing workplace norms.
Park suggested starting emails with "hi" for those unsure about formality.

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Story summary

Dr. Seohee Ashley Park, a Victoria University of Wellington lecturer, says emails to professors should avoid "hey" and notes many academics ignore such messages.
Liban Ali, the student association president, says informal greetings are common among students and should not hinder communication, emphasizing staff empathy.
Colleen Trolove, a communication trainer, supported casual greetings as reflecting changing workplace norms.
Park suggested starting emails with "hi" for those unsure about formality.