University Set to Launch 'TAMIU E-Mail for Life'

Texas A&M International University's often cumbersome e-mail service for students will soon be a thing of the past with the launch of "TAMIU E-mail for Life," an innovative program with expanded services available for students and alumni.

The web-based e-mail service will be free, life-long and will allow customizable addresses, 10 megabytes of storage space, and a calendaring service. It will be activated before the end of the Spring smester

"TAMIU E-mail for Life," is the end result of a long-cherished dream by University president Dr. Ray Keck to improve current student electronic access while providing a bridge for graduates to continue to remain linked to their alma mater through cyberspace.

"So much of our students' educational progress and personal lives is mediated by the Web and e-mail, with classwork and research often prepared or conducted through the Internet. We wanted to make sure that we had a first-rate system that was responsive to their needs now and for the rest of their lives. We especially wanted to provide a mechanism for graduates to continue to be a part of the University's life and future and this program will make this possible," Dr. Keck explained.

The University's Computer and Telecommunications Department developed the new system.

Leebrian Gaskins, associate CTS director, said using technology to build and maintain relationships is forward-thinking at its best.

"It's a wonderful idea for TAMIU to develop a lifelong relationship with its alumni and students by utilizing our technology. This new e-mail service will run on the existing e-mail server which has more than enough processing power and storage to handle the new load and will enable us to encourage greater participation," Gaskins said.

The new service will be provided at no cost to students and is accessible from any computer with Web access. Students will be responsible for the cost of their home Internet Service Provider, but can access their e-mail from any TAMIU computer labs.

In order to access the University's new "E-mail for Life," students will need to convert their existing TAMIU-email through a convenient sign up on the TAMIU Web page, tamiu.edu. Old student accounts that have not been converted by May 9 will be deleted.

Other features of the new service will include spam or trash e-mail blocking, virus filtering, encryption protection and a customizable interface.

Students or alumni desiring additional information can contact Jackie Benavides, CTS user services coordinator, by visiting Killam Library 257, calling 326.2310 or emailing jbenavides@tamiu.edu. The University's computer lab assistants can also provide help to those wanting to establish their accounts.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu