Zoom Etiquette Guidelines

Setting yourself up to do well online is rooted in the same skills that help you do well in person—attentiveness, preparation, hard work, responsiveness, engagement—but the two modes of learning and engaging do have differences. Here are some tips to help you make the most of online interactions.

Get Set Up for Zoom

Getting Started

To troubleshoot your Zoom account and check for potential issues regarding your audio, camera, features, etc., try logging in 5-10 minutes before.
Practice Zoom’s features early using the Zoom test meeting link to ensure smooth class participation.
Make sure you have access to a) a reliable Internet connection and b) a strong source of power. If possible, have your laptop plugged in and charging, especially if it tends to run low on battery quickly.

Zoom Surroundings

Please mute yourself when you’re not speaking to avoid broadcasting background noise.
Do your best to join from a location that allows for your full attention, as well as that of your classmates.
Adjust your camera and lighting so we can see your face well.
If you must conceal your location, use an appropriate background (preferably “still” without people).
Make sure to add a profile photo to your Zoom account, so we can still see your face when you turn off your camera.
Present yourself in a way that reflects professionalism. Just as in any learning or professional environment, how we present ourselves can influence our mindset and interactions. Appearing on camera or in the physical classroom in a polished manner creates a focused and respectful space for meaningful discussions.
Avoid multitasking and focus your attention on the Zoom call. You might want to minimize or close other windows so you aren’t distracted by email or other applications. Silence notifications on your phone or put it away; just like in class, please use it only if there is an emergency.
Remember that you are always on camera. Need to yawn, sneeze, blow your nose, or something you don’t want us all to see? Mute your audio and blank your video for a moment.
Unless otherwise stated, try not to eat or drink during a Zoom interaction except for water, tea, or coffee.

Communicating on Zoom

All comments and discussions should be respectful of the instructor and fellow students; disagreements are fine, but personal attacks are not.
Be considerate in not talking over people, and give everyone a chance to speak.
Please don’t interrupt the instructor or fellow students, as it leads to chaos in a Zoom conversation.
The chat window should be used only for class-related discussions—comments, sharing of resources, etc.—except for casual conversations at the start and end of class. Keep remarks on-topic and courteous. Remember that this is still our classroom.
- Don’t use long blocks of text unless necessary
Know that faculty may not be able to keep track of a quickly-flowing chat, so don’t rely exclusively on that to ask a question.

Check Your Technology and Know Where to Get Help

Do you have the necessary technology to be able to fully participate in your course? Minimally, you will need a reliable internet connection and computer; much of what you’ll be asked to do on Zoom can be done with a mobile phone and data plan, but a computer will generally give you a better experience. Earbuds/headphones may also be helpful.

If you need help meeting the technology requirements to participate online, please call the main campus helpline at 202-784-3510 and notify your Advising Dean. See this UIS page for help with connectivity issues. Need help with equipment? Contact help@georgetown.edu.

When in Doubt, Communicate!

If you are unsure about how to best proceed with Zoom etiquette (e.g. whether or not to have your camera on, or taking a Zoom call from a mobile phone), don’t hesitate to give the other attendees a heads up or ask your professor what expectations they have. During times like these, communication might require more effort and attention. Your professor will let you know the best way(s) to communicate, depending on the issue you are having. Be sure to reach out for help whenever something is unclear or confusing, or if you are having other issues.