U-M Staff Retirees FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About ITCS Services for U-M Staff Retirees

What U-M computing services can I get free of charge?

As a staff retiree, you will continue to receive your U-M e-mail box that can be accessed at mail.umich.edu, along with the uniqname, password and directory entry you used while you were employed by the University. If you do not have a uniqname, password, and directory entry, and would like a free U-M e-mail box, please contact the ITCS Accounts Office (accounts.office@umich.edu or 734-764-8000).

Why would I want to use these services? Why is the University providing these services?

Now that many U-M services—such as benefits—are online, the University wants to make it easy for all retirees to take advantage of them. This movement toward online service provision is called e-business, and it includes things like managing your retirement benefits or contacting University departments by e-mail. You can use your free e-mail to stay in touch with former colleagues, friends, and family and for whatever other personal uses you may have.

Do these services have an expiration date?

No. You may use these services for life.

What are my options for getting connected to the Internet?

There are many options available to you. If you are interested in high-speed internet connectivity, you should contact a commercial provider like Comcast, AT&T, etc. Learn more about high-speed connectivity by reviewing our High-Speed Internet Service Options. If you are interested in dial-in service, look for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) offering local access dial-in (all U-M dial-in services for the Ann Arbor campus were discontinued on July 2, 2007). Or, you may want to consider using a public internet connection (these are sometimes free) such as those provided in many community libraries or coffeehouses.

I still don't understand. If you are providing a free mailbox, why do I still need an Internet Service Provider?

Here's a metaphor that may help explain this: think of an e-mail message as the water coming to your house. We are providing a container to hold the water once it is delivered (this is the e-mail box). We are providing one type of faucet so you can get the water (this is the web-based e-mail at mail.umich.edu). You still need to provide the pipe to get the water to your house (this is the dial-in or high speed internet connectivity which needs to be provided by an ISP).

I've heard I can get additional computing services by subscribing to U-M Online. Where can I learn more about this option?

U-M Online is a package of fee-based computing services—including Institutional File Space (IFS)—that ITCS offers to alumni, retired faculty and staff, and others affiliated with the University. Information about all of the services available to you and associated costs is described in detail on U-M Online.

Can I still call 4-Help if I have computing problems?

Yes, you can call 4-HELP or send e-mail to online.consulting@umich.edu for assistance in accessing your e-mail, managing your online directory entry, or if you have other questions related to using these services.

Can I still use Pine?

If you want to use Pine, you will need to get a subscription to U-M Online.

Can I still use Mulberry?

You can continue to use your current copy of Mulberry. If you have a subscription to U-M Online, you can download Mulberry from the Blue Disc site.

Can I still use Eudora?

You can still use Eudora. You will need to download your own copy from the Eudora website.

Can I still use Outlook?

Yes, both Outlook and Outlook Express can be configured to use your free e-mail box, but we do not provide you with either of these software clients.

Can I still make purchases at the Computer Showcase?

Only current, permanent, and emeritus U-M faculty and staff are eligible to purchase hardware, software, and other supplies at the Computer Showcase. Everyone is eligible to use the consulting services available at the Showcase.

I currently have a U-M Online subscription, but I'm not sure I still need it. What are my options?

You should check to make sure you are not using or no longer need any of the services provided by U-M Online. These include IFS, login service, and various software clients provided to U-M Online subscribers (including antivirus software). If you want to cancel your U-M Online subscription, you must communicate with the ITCS Accounts Office in writing (e-mail, fax, or USPS mail). For more information on canceling your U-M Online account, see Cancelling Your Account.

I have another e-mail box through another service provider. Can I direct my @umich.edu mail there?

Yes, you can have the e-mail that is sent to you at your-uniqname@umich.edu address redirected to any e-mail account you choose. See Forwarding or Redirecting Your E-Mail Using the U-M Online Directory Via the Web and follow the instructions for redirecting your e-mail. Remember to update the redirect address every time you change your e-mail address so that it remains current. You should also update your directory entry to reflect the fact that you have retired from U-M.

Can I use the SpamBox service to help reduce the amount of spam I receive in my e-mail?

Yes, you can sign up for SpamBox, ITCS's opt-in content-filtering service for spam reduction, but it will only work on mail that comes to your ITCS-provided mailbox. If you have your mail forwarded to another mailbox address (like Comcast or another provider), SpamBox will not be able to prevent spam from reaching that mailbox. For details about using SpamBox, see Using SpamBox for E-Mail Spam Filtering. You can sign up for SpamBox—and learn more about other anti-spam tools and strategies—on the Spam Busters website.

Can I create groups in the U-M Online Directory or continue to own groups there?

Yes. You can use your uniqname and password to create and manage groups that you own.

Will my entry remain in the U-M Online Directory?

Yes, and you can make changes to it anytime you wish. For example, you might want to indicate that you are now retired by adding a note to the description in your entry. Or you might prefer to hide information about yourself by making your entry private. See The U-M Online Directory Via the Web: Finding and Changing Your Personal Entry for instructions.

Can I use the Campus Computing Sites to access my e-mail or do other computing?

You are eligible to use the cyberstations (these are public computer kiosks that are intended for quick use—they only allow you to check e-mail and access the web) located at various campus locations. You are not eligible to use the full-service Campus Computing Sites computers unless you purchase a U-M Online subscription, due to software licensing restrictions.

I retired but have returned to work as a temporary employee. What happens to my U-M computing services?

If you return to the University as a temporary employee, your department may provide you with computing services in addition to your retiree e-mail box. These services might be operated within the department itself or they may request additional computing services for you from ITCS.

The department and the ITCS Accounts Office need to work together to make sure your computing services are not disrupted. If you have any questions about your specific situation, please contact the ITCS Accounts Office.

Last updated August 20, 2007

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