Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content
Information Technology Services

Alumni Email Service - Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of the Email Use and Account Management Policy?
    • The purpose of the Email Use and Account Management Policy is to outline guidelines for email use and management at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) to ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of IWU's email systems and data.
  • Who does this policy apply to?
    • This policy applies to all IWU faculty, staff, students, affiliates, and contractors who have been granted access to IWU’s email systems.
  • How long will email accounts be active for faculty, staff, and students?
    • Email accounts will be terminated at the end of employment for faculty and staff unless they are granted emeritus status from the President or Provost. All student accounts will be terminated three years after graduation.
  • What is the scope of email use at Illinois Wesleyan University?
    • IWU’s email systems are for official university business and communications only. Personal use is permitted as long as it does not interfere with an individual’s duties or violate any University policies. Users are prohibited from using email for any illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Can email be used for personal purposes?
    • Yes, email can be used for personal purposes as long as it does not interfere with an individual's duties or violate any University policies.
  • What kind of language should be used in email communication?
    • Email communication should be professional, respectful, and free from discriminatory or harassing language.
  • Who is responsible for managing their own email accounts?
    • Users are responsible for managing their own email accounts and ensuring that they comply with this policy.
  • What measures should be taken to ensure the security and confidentiality of emails?
    • Users must take appropriate measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of their emails. Passwords must be kept confidential and not shared with anyone. Emails containing sensitive or confidential information must be encrypted or otherwise protected to prevent unauthorized access.
  • What are the guidelines for accessing email accounts for faculty, staff, students, affiliates, and contractors?
    • Access to email accounts will be managed according to guidelines that differ depending on the constituency. Inactive accounts will be disabled after a certain period of inactivity, and email forwarding is not permitted for faculty, staff, students, affiliates, or contractors.
  • Does Illinois Wesleyan University reserve the right to access email accounts?
    • IWU reserves the right to access email accounts if there is a legitimate business need, or if required by law.
  • Who has decision-making authority to access email accounts?
    • Authorized leaders for each constituency have decision-making authority to access email accounts. If they are unable to perform this duty, a designee of the University President will assume decision authority.
  • Can exceptions be made to this policy?
    • All exceptions to this policy must be approved by the University President or designee.
  • What legal and regulatory requirements does Illinois Wesleyan University comply with?
    • IWU complies with the Illinois Information Security Act (IL 815) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) requirements to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of University data.
  • What happens to current alumni email accounts?
    • Active alumni email accounts (as of June 1, 2023) will be granted a three-year grace period from the approval date of this policy to migrate any data stored. At the end of the three years, the regular policy of the University will apply, and all alumni accounts will be terminated. 
  • What happens when my email account is terminated?
      • Once your IWU email account is terminated, you will lose access to Gmail, Google Drive Storage, and all other associated applications.
  • How can alumni update their information?
    • Alumni can update their information through the IWU Alumni Portal at https://advance.iwu.edu/register/updatemyinfo. The portal allows alumni to update their contact information, career updates, and other personal details. It is essential for alumni to keep their information up to date to ensure they receive important updates and alumni-related news from the University.