Information Technology Services

E-mail is allowed to remain in the system inbox for up to 30 days on the centrally managed e-mail server (defined as wsunix.wsu.edu or mail.wsu.edu). Messages left in the system inbox for more than 30 days are purged during a weekly process. The e-mail systems' inbox is a shared, limited resource. The system inbox purge process is necessary to insure there is adequate space to process and deliver all of the system's incoming and out-going e-mail. This 30-Day policy applies to UNIX/SENDMAIL.

To preserve your e-mail, save messages in your local inbox, folder, or save-messages file. Use care when setting up e-mail clients like Eudora and Microsoft Outlook to not select the "Leave mail on server" option unless there is a specific need to do so. If you would like assistance with moving your e-mail to a local inbox, folder, or save-messages file, please contact Information Technology Services or call 335-4357.

The All University Records Retention policy may require some email to be kept as business records. The e-mail server's system inbox is not an appropriate repository to meet those requirements. These types of correspondence must be retained according to the guidelines defined in BPPM 90.01.

Temporary extensions to the E-mail System Inbox 30-day Purge Policy may be granted and are intended for situations such as sabbaticals, summer absences, etc. Please submit your request for an extension to Information Technology Services or call 335-4357.