Group Lists

ITS can help you set up group mailing lists. These are typically used for communicating with campus groups (departments, committees, special project groups, etc.) Here at UM-Dearborn, group lists generally must use a @umd.umich.edu address. One type of group list is a class mailing list – which is handled somewhat differently.

How do group lists work?

• They offer some of the key features of listserves, but are much easier to manage. For groups that don’t exceed a few dozen members, group lists are recommended over a listserve.
• If you require advanced features, such as automated notifications, then a listserve might work better.
• Initially, lists are “open” by default. This means that anyone with an @umd.umich.edu email address can send a message to the group.
• Group lists are included in UM-Dearborn’s online directory.
• Emails sent to the group list are delivered simultaneously to all members.
• A designated person (“owner”) manages the list.

How do I get a group list?

Submit a request to the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk(at)umd.umich.edu or (313) 593-4357. Include information on the designated group manager and members.

What does a group list manager do?

• They maintain the list membership, updating it when people are added or removed.
• They can restrict who has permission to send to the list.

Group lists can be used for more than email

Since group lists are configured in the campus LDAP directory system, they can be used for more than just email. Any application that accesses the LDAP directory to verify valid users can take advantage of groups. For instance, groups can be used for:

• Scheduling in the Calendar system
• Authenticating to department websites.
• Permissions to websites.