Student Mail Policy

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is committed to using available technology to communicate among members of the campus community. It recognizes an expanding reliance on electronic communication among students, faculty, staff, and the administration due to the convenience, speed, cost-effectiveness, and environmental advantages it provides. This policy will define the proper use of electronic communications between University staff, faculty, and students. Electronic communications may include, but are not limited to, electronic mail, electronic bulletin boards, and web sites.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn authorizes the use of email for official communication between students, staff, faculty and the administration. All members of the campus community are expected to comply with established guidelines and procedures which define the proper use of electronic communications.

1. Provision of University email
   The University of Michigan-Dearborn will provide all staff, faculty, and students with an official University email address. This will be the address listed in University directories. The University will direct all official email communications to this address.
2. Appropriate use of University email
   Certain University electronic communications may be time-critical. Students, staff, and faculty are responsible for checking their official email address on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with University communications.
   In general, email is not appropriate for transmitting sensitive or confidential information unless an appropriate level of security matches its use for such purposes
   • Confidentiality regarding student records is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). All use of email, including use for sensitive or confidential information, must be consistent with FERPA.
   • Email shall not be the sole method for notification of any legal action.
3. Redirecting of University email
   Members of the campus community may elect to forward University email to an alternate address (e.g., aol.com, hotmail.com, comcast.net). They are responsible for ensuring that the configuration of their email service does not accidentally label University messages as spam. Users who redirect email from their official address to another email address do so at their own risk. The University will not be responsible for the handling of email by outside vendors or by departmental servers. Having email redirected to an alternate service does not absolve students, staff, or faculty members from the responsibilities associated with communication sent to their official email address.
4. Access to University email
   Students who are not in possession of a home computer, or do not have access to a computer at work, can use computers available in campus labs or in their local library.
5. Faculty use of University email
   Faculty may determine how email will be used in their classes. It is highly recommended that if faculty have email requirements and expectations, they specify these requirements in their course syllabus. Faculty may reasonably expect that students are accessing their University email, and may use email for their courses accordingly.

This Electronic Communication Policy complies with the guidelines as found in:

• Policies and guidelines set forth by the University in the Standard Practice Guide:
  Privacy of Electronic Mail and computer Files at the University of Michigan (SPG) 601.11
  Proper Use of Information Resources, Information Technology, and Networks at the University of Michigan (SPG) 601.7
• MichNet Policy
  Policies for Organizations and End Users
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
• Information Technology Services, Computer and Internet Policy
• Student Records and Student Rights
  

For more information, visit the Information Technology Services Web site at http://www.its.umd.umich.edu. Select Accounts for details on University email.