Do UChicago Alumni Keep Their Old UChicago Email Addresses?

Do UChicago Alumni Keep Their Old UChicago Email Addresses?

University of Chicago (UChicago) alumni commonly retain access to their UChicago email addresses for life. This maintains the possibility of lifelong connections between alumni and the university, as well as with other alumni. However, it's crucial to check the latest information on the university's official alumni services page or directly contact the alumni office for confirmation due to potential policy changes.

Retaining the Email Address

One of the benefits for alumni is the ability to keep their UChicago email addresses. These addresses serve as a digital link to their alma mater and can be invaluable for maintaining personal and professional networks. Alumni can use these email addresses to stay updated with university news, participate in alumni events, and communicate with fellow alumni around the world.

Forwarding the Email Address

For those alumni who want to keep their email addresses but may be changing their primary email service provider, the university offers options to set up forwarding. While detailed instructions can be found on the University of Chicago IT Services website, the process generally involves creating a forwarding address that redirects incoming emails to an external email service. This feature ensures that alumni do not lose touch with important alumni-related communications even if they change their primary email address.

Organizational Address Management

UChicago manages its organizational email addresses with the understanding that alumni might return to the university in a different role. As a result, old email addresses are kept indefinitely but disabled during the interim. Although this might seem inconvenient, it is a common practice in most organizations due to concerns about fraudulent use of addresses. Keeping these addresses active but disabled prevents unauthorized access and helps maintain the integrity of the email system.

Good Email Hygiene

Despite the advantages, it's wise for alumni to consider good email hygiene. Using organizational email addresses for long-term dependencies can be risky because these addresses may be discontinued or disabled. Instead, alumni should consider keeping their personal email addresses as the primary contact for important matters. By doing so, they ensure that they always have a reliable and accessible email service for their various needs.

Resources and Further Information

For more detailed information, alumni can refer to the University of Chicago Alumni Services page or contact the Alumni Office directly. The IT Services website also provides comprehensive guides on managing email addresses and setting up email forwarding. Access to these resources can provide the necessary support to navigate the complexities of maintaining email addresses as an UChicago alumnus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can alumni keep their UChicago email addresses permanently? Yes, alumni typically retain access to their UChicago email addresses for life. This allows for continued connection with the university and other alumni.

Q: How can alumni set up email forwarding? Alumni can set up email forwarding by following the instructions provided on the University of Chicago IT Services website. This ensures that incoming emails are redirected to their current preferred email service.

Q: What should alumni do for good email hygiene? Alumni should avoid relying on organizational email addresses for long-term communications. Instead, maintain a personal email address for ongoing and important matters to ensure reliability.