For the past several months, the University has been systematically laying the foundation to strengthen the University’s critical Information Systems. As a result of these efforts, we are preparing a comprehensive upgrade of the University’s email system. The new system is Microsoft Exchange 2007.

Why are we upgrading the email system?

The University’s current email server is outdated and has not been supported by Microsoft for several years. As a result the reliability of email services on the campus has been very low.

When will the email migration occur?

To minimize the unavoidable inconvenience, the migration of student email will start Friday evening, 14 March at 8:00 pm and should be completed by Monday, 17 March.

Will email be available during the migration?

No. Student email will not be available during the migration period (8:00 pm Friday, 14 March through 8:00 am Monday, 17 March).

Will students email be migrated to the new email system?

Yes, all currently enrolled students will have their email automatically migrated into the new system.

Will I receive any emails that were sent to my email account during the migration period?

Yes. While the email system is being upgraded, all inbound emails will be “queued up” and delivered following the migration is completed.

Will student usernames or passwords be changing?

No, usernames and passwords will be the same in the new email system.

What changes will students experience?

There will be two (2) important changes:

1. A new web address to access the “webmail” Outlook Web Access (OWA) interface. This new URL is: https://webmail.howard.edu
2. A new Outlook Web Access interface. A user guide for the new OWA interface is available at the following URL: http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/webmail.htm

What if I use a POP3 or IMAP4 email client to access my student email?

POP3 and IMAP4 capabilities will be provided. No changes will be required by students to maintain POP3 and IMAP4 connectivity in the new environment. The POP3 and IMP4 settings and an example for how to configure the Outlook client is included at the following URL: http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/clients.htm

What if I use Apple Mail or Entourage to access my student email?

Both Apple Mail and Entourage clients are supported for connecting to the new Exchange 2007 environment. Configuration settings and information may be found at the following URLs:

Entourage Client Configuration Settings:
http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/entourage.htm

Apple Mail Configuration Settings:
http://www.howard.edu/technology/tutorials/email/apple-mail.htm

How should I report email-related problems?

If students experience any email-related issues, they should be reported to the student HelpDesk by following the standard process.

Hassan Minor, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President
Strategic Planning, Operations and External Affairs
Chief Technology Officer