Listservs
Quick Access to W&M Mail List Service
Maintaining a large email distribution list or sending mail to
a large number of email addresses in most email programs can be
challenging. The solution is a listserv.
What is a listserv? It is a program that automatically redistributes email to names on a mailing list. A list usually consists of email addresses of people interested in a certain topic or members of clubs or groups. The purpose is to send announcements and to allow email discussion between list subscribers.
Advantages
- many email programs have limitations on the number of addresses in a distribution list
- list administration is accessible in a web interface for one or more owners
- subscription options and archives are available in the web interface
- options such as moderated or digested lists
Guidelines
- individuals requesting lists and/or listed as owners for a list must be current faculty, staff, or students of the College
- lists must only be used for their original purpose
- list administrators should disclose the nature and frequency of mailings to the list subscribers and using a list for unsolicited or unauthorized mass postings is prohibited
- with the exception of lists used for official, College communications, subscribers must be notified when they have been added to a mailing list PRIOR to any messages being sent to a list and must have the ability to unsubscribe from a list
- to prevent lists from receiving spam, it is highly recommended that list administrators set send privileges to require confirmation
- lists not following these guidelines or other College policies will be disabled and are subject to disciplinary actions as set forth in the Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Acceptable Use Policy for Faculty and Staff
- William and Mary's listserv is powered by Sympa software and can be accessed at http://lists.wm.edu. Requests for new lists are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours.
Create a Listserv
- Log in to lists.wm.edu
- Click on the Create list tabe and fill out the form.
- Choose the List Type. The default is the recommended choice but you may want to consider other options, especially if privacy is an issue.
- Enter a descriptive subject.
- Select a topic and enter a description.
- Click Submit your creation request when finished.
- This will create an approval request. IT will send an email to the creator of the listserv, asking that person to agree with the guidelines.
Questions?
If you have questions about email list service, email the [[support, Technology Support Center]].
The WMDigest
The College uses a listserv called the WMDigest as a means of sending communications to faculty and staff. Anyone wishing to post an announcement in the digest may do so by visiting myWM. Learn more about the digest guidelines.