Post engaging, thoughtful content
Share content that both reflects your understanding of the course material and makes appropriate applications beyond the assigned reading (insights, real-life examples).  Be sure to think of the posts as part of a larger conversation; ask/answer questions within the posts. Questions left unanswered may impact your score for that discussion.
Compose your responses in a word processing program
Consider using programs such as Word first; save this file to your computer or USB flash drive. Attach the file or copy and paste the text into the message area of the Discussion Board. Should there be an interruption in your Internet connection, you will not lose any work.
Word count
Initial posts must be greater than 250 words
Replies must be at least 75 words
No Fluff Zone
Please carefully review What is a Discussion Board  to thoroughly understand the definition of both an Initial Post and Reply.
Remember to write succinctly, i.e., in a brief and clearly expressed manner paying attention to fully respond to all questions. 
Please note:  where you are welcome to include the original question in your initial post or reply, these are not included in the word count.
Carefully adhere to posting timelines
Generally, initial posts are due on Day 4 of a given week with a minimum of 2 replies to either peers or faculty by Day 7 of the same. This pacing allows peers to read/respond to classmates ideas. 
Logging in and posting multiple posts on one day alone will not suffice.  Students should be actively engaged throughout the week to be eligible for full weekly credit.
Discussion Forums close weekly on Day 7. The ability to participate in/receive credit for a weeks discussion ends after that Day 7 mark.
Unfortunately, there is no way to grant extensions fairly for forums, no different than missing a class of a face to face course, participation is no longer possible after Day 4 for an initial post and Day 7 for peer replies.
Discussion Forum Grades
Students will be held accountable for and graded using the Discussion Board Rubric for both initial posts and replies.  Please refer to the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric  for the criteria and grading standards used in all IU online discussion forum posts.