Q. What is NDSU’s new policy on e-mail as an official means of communication?
A. E-mail, like postal and campus mail, is an official means by which the university communicates with students. The university expects that e-mail communication is received and read by students in a timely manner.
NDSU's e-mail policy is online at www.ndsu.edu/policy/609.htm
Q. Why not just send letters to students?
A. Sometimes, students will be contacted by letter, but e-mail provides a more efficient, environmentally responsible and cost-effective way to distribute important messages to students. E-mail has become a standard form of communication for students, and so it makes sense to use this method to contact you.
Q. Can I use my own e-mail address, or do I have to use the one NDSU provides?
A. NDSU automatically provides all students with an official e-mail address that ends with @ndsu.edu. You can log in to your NDSU account directly to receive e-mail, or you can have incoming messages redirected to a non-NDSU e-mail account. We strongly encourage you to use your NDSU e-mail account and to check it frequently, rather than setting up your e-mail to be redirected elsewhere. NDSU is not responsible for the handling of e-mail by outside providers. Failure to receive official messages when using a non-NDSU e-mail address does not relieve you of the responsibilities associated with official communication sent to your ndsu.edu e-mail address.
Q. What sort of official information will I receive from my NDSU e-mail address?
A. Instructors will likely send class information to your NDSU e-mail account and they expect that you will read it. You may also receive notices regarding registration, financial aid or other important topics. An official NDSU e-mail list is used to send essential messages to all students regarding deadlines, campus emergencies, etc. Additionally, you may receive e-mails from your major department and college.
Q. What happens if I don’t check my NDSU e-mail account?
A. You may miss information that is essential to your success at NDSU. Students have failed classes because they neglected to read e-mails from instructors about class assignments and exams. A missed message about financial aid, tuition payments or drop/add deadlines could result in your losing credit for class work completed. In short, the consequences of not checking your NDSU e-mail account can be significant.
Q. Will I get lots of junk e-mail in my account?
A. NDSU does filter incoming junk e-mail and stops a significant amount of spam. Any e-mail messages you receive from NDSU will be official communication and notifications. Additionally, NDSU Student Government manages an announcement list to keep students informed of campus events and opportunities, but you may choose not to receive these messages.