Outlook & Email Calendar

What you will learn on this page:

  • Set up an email signature
  • Practice drafting and sending an email
  • Learn the difference between Reply and Reply All
  • Learn to respond to a calendar meeting invite
  • Practice sending a calendar invite
  • Set up your class and work schedule on Outlook Calendar

  • When your inbox gets full, it will prevent you from receiving new emails. Make it a routine to clean your inbox at least once a month.
  • To stay up to date on your incoming emails, check your email at least once a day.
  • Save your class Zoom links in your Outlook Calendar appointments for easy access. 

Login Credentials

Don’t know your log-in credentials? Call the IT Help Desk for Assistance.

  1. IT Help Desk Phone: (509) 865-8514 Ext: 1303

Write and Set up an Email Signature{expander}

What is an email signature?

An email signature is what goes at the end of an email message and usually includes a name, title, and contact info for the sender. Having an email signature will allow recipients to know who you are. 

 

Email Signature Template 

Including the following in your email signature

Your Name

Student

Heritage University 

Studentemail@heritage.edu

 

Instructions on how to save your email signature on Outlook

Follow the instructions from Microsoft Support.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE3DPdb?pid=ocpVideo1-innerdiv-oneplayer&postJsllMsg=true&maskLevel=20&reporting=true&market=en-us

 

Practice Writing an Email to Your Professor{expander}

Example

 

ToEnter the email address of the recipient  

Cc:  Only Cc people who are critically important in the conversation. Use this section rarely and cautiously.

Subject: A question about ... (What is the topic of this email? Write a short description).

 

Good morning Professor/ Dr. (insert their last name),

My name is (insert your first and last name). I am in your (include the class name and section, for example, Math 94.0) class. I am emailing to (describe why you are emailing).

Note: be specific in your description. Below are examples of how detailed your message should be. 

Example 1: Requesting an extension on an assignment.

Example of a vague or non-specific message- I would like to request an extension on my assignment.

Example of a good level of detail- I would like to request an extension on my Lab 2: Descriptive Graphs assignment. Can I turn it in on Monday MM/DD?

Example 2: You are having trouble accessing an online quiz.

Example of a vague or non-specific message- I cannot access the quiz- when I click on it, it does not work.

Example of a good level of detail - I cannot access Reading Check Quiz 4. When I click on it, the page reads, "You do not have permissions for this assignment."

 

(Insert your preferred salutation such as: Best, Sincerely, Thank you, etc.)

(Insert your name)

 

Give it a try!

Practice writing an email to your instructor. You can choose one of the following prompts:

  • You are notifying your instructor that you will be missing class
  • You would like to schedule a meeting with them during their office hours
  • You have a question about class

 

To: 

Cc: 

Subject: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Responding to an Email - "Reply" Vs "Reply All"{expander}

Use “REPLY” to send your email response THE ORIGINAL SENDER ONLY

Use “REPLY ALL” to send your email response to the ORIGINAL SENDER and EVERYONE INCLUDED IN THE EMAIL LIST.

What is Outlook Calendar?{expander}

What is Outlook Calendar?

Outlook calendar is a digital calendar where you can set reminders for your class schedule, work schedule, and other events. 

Who uses Outlook calendar?

Staff, faculty, and students use Outlook Calendar to manage their time.

How can I use the Outlook Calendar?{expander}

Outlook Calendar can be useful to keep track of where you need to be. Track your class, work, and home schedule using your Outlook Calendar to easily remind yourself of your time-commitments. The neat thing about electronic calendars is that you can access them from your phone, computer, or tablet. Plus you can update them on the go, and even share your calendar with others. 

Here are a few ways you can take advantage of the Outlook Calendar: 

  • Add your class and work schedule to know where you need to be at all times
  • Schedule meetings with support staff using outlook calendar
  • Schedule meetings with your club organizations or study groups

Check out this Microsoft Support video to learn how: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE3DHqP?pid=ocpVideo1-innerdiv-oneplayer&postJsllMsg=true&maskLevel=20&reporting=true&market=en-us

Responding to Calendar Invites{expander}

This table is intended to be used for

  • Meeting invites from your academic advisors, student support staff, and your professors. 
  • Event invites from programs you may be a part of such as the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) or Trio S3, CRESENT, EAGLES, Adelante STEM, and other campus event announcements sent via email. 

Use this table if you use the Outlook Web App

 

Meeting Invite: Meeting times can usually be changed to fit the availability of those invited.

Event Invite: Event times are usually selected in advance and the time and date are set.

Accept

If the time works for you and you will be attending the meeting, select "ACCEPT" and "Send the response now".  The meeting will be added to your calendar.

Select "Accept" when you plan on attending the event

Decline

If you do not plan on attending the meeting, select "DECLINE" and "Edit the response before sending". An email message will open, let the sender know you no longer need the meeting and click send.  

Select "Decline" when you do not plan on attending the event

Tentative

If the meeting time does not work for you and you want to reschedule, select "Tentative" and "Edit the response before sending". An email message will open, let the sender know there is a time conflict, but that you want to reschedule, include your availability.

Select "Tentative" when you plan on attending the event but are not 100% sure you will make it.

Use this table if you use the Desktop Outlook App

 

Meeting Invite: Meeting times can usually be changed to fit the availability of those invited.

Event Invite: Event times are usually planned in advance and the time and date are set.

Accept

When the time works for you and you will be attending the meeting select "ACCEPT" and "Send the response now" . The meeting will be added to your calendar.

Select ‘Accept’ when you plan on attending the event

Decline

If you do not plan on attending the meeting, select "DECLINE" and "Edit the response before sending". An email message will open, let the sender know you no longer need the meeting and click send.

Select ‘Decline’ when you do not plan on attending the event

Propose New Time

If the meeting time does not work for you but you would like to reschedule the meeting, select "Propose New Time" and "Tentative and Propose New Time". Enter the your proposed time, and click send.

Select ‘Tentative’ when you plan on attend the event but are not 100% sure you will make it.