Cougars go Google
Gmail boasts improved quality
Amy Salisbury
Issue date: 8/26/08 Section: Features
Returning students are in for a surprise when they first check their school e-mail accounts this semester. As a result of increased enrollment and more communication via the Internet, the Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) chose to make a permanent switch to Gmail during the summer of 2008.
Since 1995, CSUSM has offered free e-mail accounts for its students. The system was relatively basic compared to the more advanced (and universally free) Yahoo, Google, and MSN e-mail services. With more and more students sending large e-mail attachments, IITS started making sweeps through the university's server and deleting old emails so as to keep some space free. Eventually the students outgrew SquirrelMail so Gmail took over.
The biggest modification is certainly the obvious "yourname@csusm.edu" changing to "yourname@cougars.csusm.edu." Other than that, IITS promises only improvements. Rather than occasionally deleting old e-mails, Gmail provides 6.5 gigabytes of storage, which is apparently increasing by the minute.
Luckily, until December 31, 2008, mail sent to old accounts automatically forwards to Gmail preventing anything from getting lost in the cyber-shuffle. However, the wise option is to make sure important contacts know of the switch as soon as possible.
Advantages to Gmail compared to CSUSM's past e-mail server extend beyond campus life. The account provided by Gmail is for life, as long as current students obtain diplomas.
Google Apps has downloadable software that facilitates e-mail access from Blackberries, iPhones, and other J2ME enabled phones. Also, Gmail comes with a calendar that can send out text message reminders for upcoming events.
Unfortunately, some students have received and continue to receive e-mails claiming to be from the university concerning the switch to Gmail. The emails request the recipient provides birthdates, passwords, and other information that IITS would never ask for. Teresa Macklin, IITS's Information Security Officer, identified these e-mails as phishing attacks, urging students to delete these emails immediately. If you did respond to the email and included sensitive information, call the IITS Help Desk (760)750-4000, Ext. 4790.
As of Aug. 7, approximately 70 percent of the student body experienced a successful migration to Gmail, while the other 30 percent of students' accounts should be in working order soon. Gmail access links are on the new CSUSM Web site under Student-Webmail.
Since 1995, CSUSM has offered free e-mail accounts for its students. The system was relatively basic compared to the more advanced (and universally free) Yahoo, Google, and MSN e-mail services. With more and more students sending large e-mail attachments, IITS started making sweeps through the university's server and deleting old emails so as to keep some space free. Eventually the students outgrew SquirrelMail so Gmail took over.
The biggest modification is certainly the obvious "yourname@csusm.edu" changing to "yourname@cougars.csusm.edu." Other than that, IITS promises only improvements. Rather than occasionally deleting old e-mails, Gmail provides 6.5 gigabytes of storage, which is apparently increasing by the minute.
Luckily, until December 31, 2008, mail sent to old accounts automatically forwards to Gmail preventing anything from getting lost in the cyber-shuffle. However, the wise option is to make sure important contacts know of the switch as soon as possible.
Advantages to Gmail compared to CSUSM's past e-mail server extend beyond campus life. The account provided by Gmail is for life, as long as current students obtain diplomas.
Google Apps has downloadable software that facilitates e-mail access from Blackberries, iPhones, and other J2ME enabled phones. Also, Gmail comes with a calendar that can send out text message reminders for upcoming events.
Unfortunately, some students have received and continue to receive e-mails claiming to be from the university concerning the switch to Gmail. The emails request the recipient provides birthdates, passwords, and other information that IITS would never ask for. Teresa Macklin, IITS's Information Security Officer, identified these e-mails as phishing attacks, urging students to delete these emails immediately. If you did respond to the email and included sensitive information, call the IITS Help Desk (760)750-4000, Ext. 4790.
As of Aug. 7, approximately 70 percent of the student body experienced a successful migration to Gmail, while the other 30 percent of students' accounts should be in working order soon. Gmail access links are on the new CSUSM Web site under Student-Webmail.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jim Kreilich
posted 8/28/08 @ 1:31 PM PST
Great....have been trying for years to get Educational institutions in WI to move to either move to GOOGLE gmail or MS Live..they are very conservative. (Continued…)
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