Listserv Policy

Introduction

A list owner, who is responsible for the list, requests a list, names it and sets up the configuration for the list. Among the configuration options are whether a list name is publicly viewable and whether a list will have its messages archived.

When a list owner sets up or configures the list, s/he determines not only whether the messages will be archived, but also who can view the archives. Most list owners configure the archives to be viewable only by members subscribed to the list. A public list may have its name viewable on the web page of public list archives, but the archives may be protected so that only those subscribed to the list can view archived messages.

As an academic institution and a New York State government entity, the University supports the concept that freedom of speech and the discussion of unpopular views are important in a free and democratic society. UB IT support staff will not remove content from listserv archives unless the content is in clear violation of University policies or Federal or State laws. We do expect contributors to listserv lists to abide by the following policies:

• UB Computer and Network Use Policy
• UB Conditions of Use Policy
• UB Email for Mass Communications Policy

Policy

UB IT does not monitor the content of messages and list archives. List owners have responsibility for the lists, including monitoring discussion on the list and the content of messages and archives and enforcing rules of conduct for the list. List owners are also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of their list(s), including adding and deleting subscribers, answering questions from list subscribers, and assisting UB IT in resolving problems related to the list(s).

Archived messages will be retained for a maximum of five years. UB IT reserves the right to remove archives from individual lists that use excessive amounts of storage.

Users are encouraged to send links (URLs) to documents on the Web, rather than large attached documents in their email to a list. UB IT provides web space for departments, faculty, staff, and students for this purpose. Mass mailing requests to the University community must follow the UB Email for Mass Communications Policy referenced above.

Contacts

IT Policy Officer
Office of the CIO
517 Capen
University at Buffalo
716-645-7979
peters@buffalo.edu