Slack Etiquette

Slack is a shared communication space for collaboration, learning, and campus engagement. All members are expected to communicate respectfully and follow applicable UNLV policies, procedures, and community standards.

Jump to Section

• Communication Expectations
• Channel Etiquette
• Mentions and Notifications Etiquette
• Respectful Community Participation
• Reporting Concerns

Communication Expectations

When using UNLV Enterprise Slack:

• Be respectful and professional.
• Communicate clearly and constructively.
• Assume positive intent when appropriate.
• Be inclusive and welcoming.
• Respect differing viewpoints and experiences.
• Keep conversations relevant to the space where they occur.
• Avoid harassment, discrimination, bullying, threats, or disruptive behavior.

Channel Etiquette

Use channels thoughtfully.

Keep messages relevant to the channel topic. Review the channel name and description before posting:

1. Open the channel directory list: Click the search channels button, select Browse Channels, then review the channel names and directories.
   
   
    
2. Click on the channel name at the top of the channel and read the channel description.
   
   
   
   [slack_channel_header_description.png]
    
3. Read the description when you join or channel, or scroll to the top of the channel any time.
   
    

Use Threads, Channels, and DMs to Manage Conversations

Continuing conversations in a thread helps keep the main channel easy to skim, while keeping conversations focused and productive.

To create a thread:

1. Hover over the message to show the options bar
2. Click the Thread icon. 

Search for Answers and Review Previous Discussions Before Posting

Use the search bar to check for previous conversations before asking a question that may already have an answer. Avoid posting the same message in multiple channels unless necessary.

• Enter your search in the search bar
• For advanced options, including filtering channels, senders, etc., click the Filters button.
• Review the Search in Slack tutorial for more tips and tricks to easily find information in Slack.

Mentions and Notifications Etiquette

Mentions can notify others, so use them carefully.

Direct Mentions

Use direct mentions when:

• A specific person needs to see or respond to the message.
• You are assigning a question or follow-up to someone.
• You are acknowledging someone’s contribution.

To mention a person:

1. Type @Name in the search bar at any point in your message. Names that match will appear in the user list.
2. Finish typing, or select the name to add the person.

You can tag as many people as desired in a message.

Broad Mentions

Use broad mentions only when necessary. Broad mentions may notify many people and should be reserved for messages that require group attention.

• Type @here to notify everyone in the channel that is currently online.
• Type @channel to notify everyone in the channel, regardless of their active or inactive status.

Review the Slack Use mentions in Slack and Notify a channel or workspace tutorials for additional information for how to tag and notify others.

Respectful Community Participation

Members should:

• Treat others with dignity and respect.
• Use inclusive language.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.
• Follow applicable campus standards and policies.
• Avoid inflammatory or hostile exchanges.
• Use appropriate reporting channels for concerns.

Reporting Concerns

If you encounter behavior that may violate UNLV Slack Community Standards:

• Do not escalate the exchange.
• Document relevant information when appropriate.

Flag the Message to report the concern:

1. Hover over the message to bring up the More Options menu
2. Select Flag Message 
   
   
    
3. Enter your concerns and reasons for reporting the content. 
   
   

Learn More About Slack

For additional help with Slack:

• Slack Help Center and training resources: Explore more advanced features, including integrations, workflows, huddles, and more. 
• UNLV Slack Knowledge Resources: Find guides and tutorials for using UNLV Enterprise Slack.