Use of University Listservs

The listserv facility, like all computing resources on campus, is provided to support the academic, research and administrative activities of the University. 

The University takes a broad view of these activities, and listserv use reflects that view.  One can find and subscribe to lists dealing with a range of topics including classroom and academic discussions, departmental, research-group and committee business communications, and campus community social activities involving departments, residence halls and campus-affiliated groups. 

Each list supported by the University’s listserver must have a faculty, staff or current student “sponsor” or “owner” who manages the list through the tools provided and is ultimately responsible for the behavior of participants and the use of the list.  People not associated with the University can certainly be included in and take part in list discussions, but lists cannot be provided for the use of outside organizations without appropriate permission.

Owners of listservs have many choices in how the lists can be set up:  private or non-private, open- or moderated-posting, etc.  Unless specifically exempt, lists should be of the “opt in” variety and must allow for any participant to “opt out”.