Direct Messages

Send private messages to students, instructors, and staff

Direct Messages

Send private administrative messages to students, instructors, and staff members.

Overview

Use direct messages (DMs) for:

  • Student administrative matters: Payments, clearance, applications, personal issues
  • Instructor coordination: Schedules, assignments, administrative support
  • Staff communication: Inter-department coordination
  • Confidential discussions: Private administrative matters

When to Use Direct Messages

Good Uses for DMs

Student Administrative Communication:

  • Payment status and issues
  • Clearance questions and guidance
  • Application assistance
  • Personal/confidential matters
  • Individual account issues
  • Document submission reminders

Instructor Coordination:

  • Course assignment details
  • Schedule conflicts or changes
  • Attendance submission reminders
  • Individual instructor support
  • Performance feedback
  • Administrative requirements

Staff Communication:

  • Departmental coordination
  • Project collaboration
  • Quick questions
  • Follow-up on tasks
  • Private discussions

When NOT to Use DMs

Use Campus Announcements Instead:

  • Information for all students
  • General deadlines
  • Policy updates
  • Campus-wide events

Use Department Spaces Instead:

  • Team coordination
  • Group planning
  • Shared resources
  • Department-wide information

Messaging Students

Administrative Matters

Payment Reminders:

Hi [Student Name],

I noticed your tuition payment for this semester is still pending.

Current Balance: [Amount]
Due Date: [Date]

Payment options:
1. Online portal: [Link]
2. Bank transfer: [Details]
3. Campus office: Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM

Please complete payment by [Date] to avoid late fees.

Let me know if you need a payment plan or have questions.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
Campus Admin

Clearance Guidance:

Hi [Student Name],

Your Level 1 clearance application has been received. However, we're missing:

Missing Items:
❌ Approved PMR
❌ Referee submission

Completed:
✅ All courses passed
✅ Attendance requirements met
✅ Tuition balance cleared

Next Steps:
1. Submit your PMR by [Date]
2. Ensure referee completes form by [Date]

Once we have these, your clearance will be processed within 3 business days.

Questions? Feel free to message me.

[Your Name]
Campus Admin

Document Request:

Hi [Student Name],

We need additional documentation for your application:

Required Documents:
1. Updated ID copy (current one expired)
2. Proof of payment for application fee

Please upload to your student portal or email to [email] by [Date].

Your application will be processed once we receive these documents.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Student Privacy

Do:

  • Verify student identity before sharing information
  • Keep conversations professional
  • Document important exchanges
  • Respect student confidentiality
  • Follow FERPA guidelines

Don't:

  • Share student info with unauthorized persons
  • Discuss other students
  • Share in public channels
  • Keep sensitive info in chat long-term
  • Use casual or informal language

Messaging Instructors

Coordination Messages

Course Assignment:

Hi [Instructor Name],

You've been assigned to teach the following for next semester:

Course: Biblical Theology - Level 1
Students: 25 enrolled
Schedule: Saturdays, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Start Date: January 10, 2025
Location: Room 204

Course materials have been uploaded to the instructor portal.

First class prep:
- Review student roster (attached)
- Confirm class schedule
- Prepare welcome message for students

Let me know if you have any questions or scheduling conflicts.

Best,
[Your Name]
Campus Admin

Attendance Reminder:

Hi [Instructor Name],

Attendance for last Saturday's class (Dec 7) hasn't been submitted yet.

Class: Church History - Level 2
Students: 18 attended

Please submit attendance by tomorrow (Dec 10) at 5 PM.

Submit via:
1. Instructor Portal > Attendance
2. Upload attendance sheet to [email]

Let me know if you need help accessing the portal.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Professional Tone

Maintain professional communication:

  • Clear and respectful
  • Specific and detailed
  • Action-oriented
  • Timely responses
  • Appropriate boundaries

DM Best Practices

Response Time

  • Student admin matters: Within 24 hours
  • Instructor coordination: Within 24 hours
  • Urgent issues: Same day
  • Non-urgent: Within 48 hours

Message Structure

Greeting: "Hi [Name],"
Context: Brief background
Main Point: Key information or request
Action Needed: What they should do
Deadline: When it's needed
Closing: Professional sign-off

Organization

Pin Important DMs:

  • Ongoing student issues
  • Active instructor coordination
  • Critical follow-ups

Archive Resolved Issues:

  • Completed matters
  • Old conversations
  • Seasonal communications

Search Efficiently:

  • Use search function for past messages
  • Filter by person or keyword
  • Review history when needed

Handling Sensitive Situations

Payment Difficulties

Hi [Student Name],

I understand you're experiencing financial difficulties with tuition payment.

We want to help you continue your studies. Options available:

1. Payment Plan: Split remaining balance over 3 months
2. Extension: 2-week extension with small fee
3. Financial Aid: Speak with financial aid office

Let's schedule a call to discuss which option works best for you.

Available times:
- Tuesday 2-4 PM
- Thursday 10 AM-12 PM

Your education matters to us. We'll find a solution.

[Your Name]
Campus Admin

Student Complaints

  • Listen with empathy
  • Don't get defensive
  • Gather all facts
  • Offer solutions
  • Escalate if needed
  • Follow up

Confidential Matters

  • Keep private
  • Don't share without permission
  • Document appropriately
  • Involve supervisor when needed
  • Follow institutional protocols

File Sharing in DMs

What to Share

  • Payment receipts
  • Application documents
  • Clearance checklists
  • Schedule documents
  • Personal forms

Security

  • Verify recipient before sending
  • Use secure file formats
  • Don't share sensitive data unnecessarily
  • Delete after confirmation if very sensitive

All DMs are private and only visible to you and the recipient. They are not accessible to other admins or staff unless explicitly shared.

Create message templates for common scenarios (payment reminders, clearance updates, document requests) to save time while maintaining professional communication.

Never share student grades, payment details, or personal information in group spaces or with unauthorized individuals. Use DMs only with the student or authorized personnel.