About IU's policy on mass email

The University Information Policy Office (UIPO) at Indiana University distinguishes between mass mailings (typically used for administrative purposes) and the use of email for interpersonal communication. Mass mailings are regulated, but as a vehicle for the free expression and exchange of ideas, personal conversations are not.

For further details, see:

• IU Bloomington Academic Policies -- Mass Email Procedures and Restrictions
• Security guidance for senders of mass email and workflow email
• University policy on Use of Electronic Mail (IT-21)

Regardless of the purpose, if you are considering mass mailing, be sensitive to the fact that people may not wish to receive unsolicited email that has nothing to do with their relationship to IU. The volume of spam is such that there simply isn't time to deal with unnecessary email from IU senders as well.

You should use targeted methods to reach those who have a particular need to receive your communications, rather than using mass methods that may reach people who have nothing to do with your office or have no interest in your service. For example, eligible sponsors can create IU List mailing lists or Salesforce campaigns that email internal, external, and mixed audiences, provided that the list has a purpose in keeping with the broad educational mission of the university. (See Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources (IT-01).)

See the following related information:

• Email large groups of people at IU
• About IU's policy on using information technology resources for commercial advertisement
• About IU's policy on surveys via email
• If you receive spam