Starting this fall, Oakland University will begin sending official university business, such as tuition and fees bills, financial aid, schedule of classes, and information on grades and graduation, to students through their free OU e-mail accounts. Instead of receiving notifications through the U.S. Mail, students will need to frequently check their OU e-mail address to be sure they don’t miss important information.

In some cases, students will receive the information directly in their e-mail. In others, they will receive an e-mail notification that data is available to access through a secure Web site. Students also will receive information on campus news, events and more through their OU e-mail account.

“The benefits to students and the university are many, including more timely and cost-effective distribution of the information that is important for students to have quickly,” said Mary Beth Snyder, vice president of student affairs. “I would encourage all students to make a habit of checking their OU e-mail account at least twice a week starting this fall.”

The university will hold students accountable for the information sent via e-mail. Therefore, they should check their OU e-mail account regularly.

While more timely and efficient, sending this communication to students via e-mail also saves money by significantly reducing – or even eliminating – printing and mailing costs.

“By shifting all student business communication from paper to e-mail, we expect to save more than $100,000 per year,” said Steve Roberts, associate vice president for finance and administration and a member of the administrative team that developed the new policy.

Through the Oakland system, students can forward their Oakland e-mail to a preferred e-mail account. However, if the preferred e-mail address changes, the student will be responsible for updating the forwarding address.

The University Technology Services Web site offers tips and information about activating, accessing and forwarding your OU e-mail.