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NU Listserv Quick Reference

General

Log In

Subscriber Quick Reference

Owner Quick Reference

  • I would like to have a list created. How do I request a list?
  • How do I retire a list once it is no longer needed?
  • Should I begin my listserv anew?
  • I am leaving the University and I want to keep ownership of my list
  • How do I add a subscriber to my list?
  • I currently manage a list, but I do not receive any mail sent to it. Do I need to subscribe?
  • How do I remove a subscriber from a list?
  • How do I add multiple subscribers to my list?
  • How do I find out who is subscribed to my list?
  • Is there some way for Listserv to delete subscribers whose mail bounces back as undeliverable?
  • How do I find out how my list is configured?
  • How do I add or remove an owner?
  • How so I prevent junk mail (spam) from getting through to my listserv?

     

    General

    Should I use the NU Listserv Web interface for all list management functions?

    You can use e-mail commands to manage list subscriptions, or you can manage subscriptions through the NU Listserv Web interface. All other list configurations may only be managed using the NU Listserv Web interface.

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    How do I access the Web interface?

    To access the Web interface go to https://listserv.it.northwestern.edu .

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    When are messages sent to a list through NU Listserv delivered?

    A message may take up to 5 minutes to deliver the first time a subscribed member of a list sends a message to the list after January 1, 2009. Subsequent messages posted to the same list by the subscriber will be delivered immediately.

    A message posted to a public list from an individual who is not subscribed to the list may take up to 5 minutes to deliver. This delay is a necessary result of Northwestern's comprehensive junk e-mail filtering system.

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    Log In

    How do I log in to the NU Listserv Web interface?

    To log in to the NU Listserv Web interface, go to https://listserv.it.northwestern.edu. Your primary University e-mail address (the e-mail address listed in the Northwestern University Online Directory), should be automatically populated. Enter your NetID password in the space provided.

    You may also log in with an alternate e-mail address. Alternate e-mail addresses require an NU Listserv password (not your NetID password).

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    Why don't I see all my subscribed lists after I log in to the NU Listserv Web interface?

    List subscriptions and ownerships are tied to unique e-mail addresses. You may be subscribed to different lists with different e-mail addresses. To access your lists, you will need to log in to the NU Listserv Web Interface using the corresponding e-mail address. Example: Joe Wildcat may be subscribed to lists using one of three e-mail addresses. The table below gives examples of primary and alternate e-mail addresses and corresponding passwords for listserv log in.

    E-mail address

    E-mail Type

    Required Password

    Joewildcat2010@u.northwestern.edu

    Primary as shown in
    NU Online Directory

    NetID password

    Joewildcat@u.northwestern.edu

    Alternate e-mail address

    Unique NU
    Listserv Password

    Joewildcat@northwestern.edu

    Alternate e-mail address

    Unique NU
    Listserv Password

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    When do I use an NU Listserv Password?

    To access lists you are subscribed to under an alternate e-mail address, you will need to log in to the NU Listserv Web interface using an NU Listserv password. An NU Listserv password is not your NetID password.

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    How do I establish an NU Listserv Password?

    To establish an NU Listserv password, go to the NU Listserv Web interface Log In and select, “Establish or reset your NU Listserv password”. You will be given directions to establish an NU Listserv password in order to access your lists subscribed under an alternate e-mail address.

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    How can I reset my NU Listserv Password?

    The reset function should only be used to change NU Listserv passwords associated with alternate e-mail addresses. To reset an NU Listserv password, go to the NU Listserv Web interface Log In and select, “Establish or reset your NU Listserv password”. You will be given directions to reset an NU Listserv password in order to access your lists subscribed under an alternate e-mail address.

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    Subscriber Quick Reference

    I want to subscribe to a list, but I don't know its name. How can I find this information?

    NUIT does not keep specific information about the content covered by each list, but you can receive a listing of the visible lists on this server.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      LISTS

    You will then be able to subscribe to the list(s) of your choice by following the instructions found below. If you are still not sure which list you want to be on, contact your UNITS representative or someone in your department; many schools and departments have listservs that are not on this server; they could be using Yahoo! Groups or some other listserv program (which we have no control of).

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    Is my @u.northwestern.edu account compatible with Northwestern listservs?

    Yes. You should receive all listserv messages in your new @u.northwestern.edu account as long as you are subscribed to the listserv from:

    • @northwestern.edu address
    • @u.northwestern.edu address

    NOTE: Delivery cannot be guaranteed if you use a mailbox address NetID@mailhost.it.northwestern.edu (casbah, hecky, lulu, or merle).

    Sending Listserv Messages :
    After your @u.northwestern.edu account is activated, it is imperative that you add your @northwestern.edu address to your @u.northwestern.edu account so you can send messages to "closed" University listservs to which you are subscribed.

    When you need to send a message to a listserv or reply to a message that was received from a closed listserv, be sure to select the @northwestern.edu address from the dropdown list in the "From" field before sending any e-mail to the listserv. Also make sure that you have selected the "Reply from the same address the message was sent to" option.

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    How can I find out if a listserv I'm subscribed to is open or closed?

    Each listserv is unique and offers owners several customization options. Because of this uniqueness, listserv subscribers will need to send a test message to individual listservs to check if they are open or closed. If you do not receive the message that you sent to a listserv to which you belong, you can probably assume that the list is "closed" and you will need to use your @northwestern.edu nickname when sending a message.

    Some users will receive an error message indicating that the message was not delivered while some users will receive no notification. This is a customization feature that listserv owners choose.

    If you suspect that your listserv messages are not being delivered, contact the listserv owner.

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    How do I subscribe to a list?

    PLEASE NOTE: Delivery cannot be guaranteed if you use the mailbox address NetID@mailhost.it.northwestern.edu, where mailhost is either casbah, hecky, lulu, or merle.

    The SUBSCRIBE command allows you to add yourself to a list.

    Note: In order to successfully subscribe to a list, make sure you are not using e-mail signatures, your commands are in English, and you send your commands to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SUBSCRIBE listname Firstname Lastname

      where listname is the name of the list you would like to subscribe to. For example:

      Subscribe Example

      Subscribe Example

      Alfred wants to subscribe to the list named boguslist. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command SUBSCRIBE boguslist Alfred Newman.

      Note: Sometimes your subscription will need to be approved by the list owner(s) before you can be subscribed. Your e-mail address listed in the From: field is the address that will be subscribed to the list when you send your message.

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    How do I unsubscribe from a list?

    The UNSUBSCRIBE command allows you to remove yourself from a list.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      UNSUBSCRIBE listname

      where listname is the name of the list you would like to unsubscribe from. For example:

      Unsubscribe Example

      Unsubscribe Example

      Alfred wants to unsubscribe from the list named boguslist. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command UNSUBSCRIBE boguslist.

      Note: Your e-mail address listed in the From: field will be unsubscribed from the list. If this e-mail address does not exactly match the address you used when you originally subscribed to the list, you will not be removed; in this case, please contact the list owners (see below), and they will remove you.

    3. If that does not work, send an e-mail to the list owners (the list owners are responsible for unsubscribing users), and ask to be unsubscribed. If your old e-mail address is subscribed, give the list owners that old e-mail address so they know which one to remove. You can reach the list owners by sending an e-mail to:

      listname-request@listserv.it.northwestern.edu

      where listname is the name of the list you're subscribed to.

    4. If that does not work, send an e-mail to consultant@northwestern.edu, and explain the situation.

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    How can I find out which lists I am subscribed to?

    The QUERY * command allows you to obtain a list of mailing lists to which you are subscribed.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      QUERY *

      For example:

      WHICH command

      QUERY * command

      Alfred wants to know which lists he is subcribed to. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command QUERY * .

    3. The message you receive back will look something like this:
      WHICH response window

      QUERY * response window

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    How can I find out who is subscribed to a list?

    The REVIEW command allows you to obtain a list of subscribers to a particular listserv mailing list.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      REVIEW listname

      where listname is the name of the list.

      For example:

      REVIEW window

      REVIEW window

      Alfred wants to know who is subcribed to the list boguslist. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command REVIEW boguslist.

    3. A message will be returned with the list of subscribers.

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    How do I keep from receiving list mail while I'm on vacation?

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SET listname NOMAIL

      where listname is the name of the list.

    To receive the list mail you missed and to receive new list mail after you get back:

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SET listname MAIL

      where listname is the name of the list.

    See also Vacation Messages Rejected below.

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    Is there a limit to the size of attachment that can be sent to a list?

    The maximum size of a mail message is 1 MB including attachments.

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    Why was my vacation notification message sent to a list not delivered?

    A message will not be sent to the list if the subject line contains a "suspicious" word or phrase. Instead it will be bounced back to the list owner as a rejected message.

    The listserv program treats messages with certain words or phrases in the subject line as possible automatic messages. For example, you CANNOT use the phrase "on vacation" in the subject line sent to a listserv mailing list! Other taboo phrases include "out of the office" and "out of town." The listserv software will reject these messages, and they will not get posted to the list.*

    This requires a little ingenuity in creating subject headings if you want to send one vacation message to a list. Some subject headings that will work and get the idea across include:

    Subject: Not here next week
    Subject: Vac days 8/14-8/18; returning 8/21
    Subject: Gone 8/14-8/18
    Subject: Outta town for a while

    Of course you do not want to use these headings for auto-replying e-mails, since it will cause an e-mail loop.

    * The reason listserv rejects vacation messages is because it can cause an e-mail loop. For example, your e-mail server sends out a vacation auto-reply e-mail to the listserv (in response to a normal listserv message). This auto-reply message then gets sent out to the entire listserv list, including your e-mail address. Then your e-mail server sends out another auto-reply. This greatly upsets list owners and subscribers.

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    Why are my SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE commands not working?

    Make sure you are not using e-mail signatures, your commands are in English, and you send your commands to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu. Also, make sure your commands look exactly like the examples shown on the Subscribing to a List section.

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    How do I turn on/off digests for the list I am subscribed to?

    It is quite possible that you have subscribed to a very active list which sends out a number of messages daily. If you would like to obtain all the messages concatenated together into a single digest:*

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SET listname DIGEST

      where listname is the name of the list.

    To turn off digest and send all of your messages individually:

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SET listname MAIL

      where listname is the name of the list.

    * Note: If you are unsure if your list is configured for digests, you can check by using the REVIEW command. In the message that is returned to you, look for the line which begins with DIGEST:. If the line says no digests collected, then you need to write to the list owners and request that it be turned on. You can reach the list owners by sending an e-mail to:

    listname-request@listserv.it.northwestern.edu

    where listname is the name of the list you're subscribed to.

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    Owner Quick Reference

    I would like to have a list created. How do I request a list?

    To establish a list, simply fill out the NU Listserv Application form and submit it. If you do not already have an e-mail account, you will need to get one before filling out the application. Once the application is approved and processed, you will become the owner of the list you have requested.

    The application will ask you a number of questions regarding list attributes. List attributes affect how a list operates and how much management it requires. Consider your answers to these questions carefully when you fill out the application, basing them on your needs; use the available online help for a detailed explanation of each question if you wish. You will find the operation of your list frustrating otherwise. While you should give serious thought to list attributes when filling out the application, these attributes can be changed at a later time.

    Once your electronic application has been processed, you will receive an e-mail message from Listserv indicating that your list is ready for use. As a list owner, you are not automatically subscribed to your list. You should subscribe yourself immediately to check that the list is operating correctly and see how others will experience the subscription process. To do so:

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      SUBSCRIBE listname Firstname Lastname

      Where listname is the name of the list you would like to subscribe to, and Firstname Lastname is your first and last name.

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    How do I retire a list once it is no longer needed?

    Please do not abandon the list when you are done with it. Send e-mail to consultant@northwestern.edu requesting that the list be retired. The request must come from one of the owners of the list.

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    Should I begin my listserv anew?

    I am the listserv owner for the xxx listserv. I have had a great deal of problems with individual accounts whereby every message sent to the listserv prompts seven returned "demon" messages to my mailbox. I will be adding another 30 names/addresses and I would prefer to just begin anew, and retype all the addresses in correctly so that we do not have this problem any longer. Basically, I am asking to de-activate the current address of xxxx and begin anew with another listserv account address for my members. Can you guide me through this?

    There is no need to start over. You just need to clean up the problems you have which is a straight forward and simple exercise. In the body of the error message that you receive are the bad addresses currently subscribed to your list. If the addresses are NU student addresses it is likely that the student is no longer enrolled. You may want to contact the subscriber directly to find out their correct address. If the student has left NU just use the "delete" command to remove them from your list.

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    I am leaving the University and I want to keep ownership of my list

    Our policy states that at least one owner of a list must be a current member of the Northwestern community (faculty, staff, or student). If you are the sole owner of a list and leave the University, you must either:

    • Find someone else at Northwestern to be a co-owner of the list, or
    • Move your list to another service provider.

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    How do I add a subscriber to my list?

    PLEASE NOTE: Delivery cannot be guaranteed if you use the mailbox address NetID@mailhost.it.northwestern.edu, where mailhost is either casbah, hecky, lulu, or merle.

    Note: Be careful when you are adding subscribers. Remember it is against listserv policy to add subscribers without their permission. It's best to have users subscribe themselves by using the SUBSCRIBE command.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      ADD listname e-mailaddress firstname lastname

      Where listname is the name of your list, e-mailaddress is the subscriber's e-mail address, and firstname lastname is the subscriber's first and last names.

      For example:

      ADD boguslist a-newman@northwestern.edu Alfred E Newman

      Adds Alfred E Newman to the list boguslist.

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    I currently manage a list, but I do not receive any mail sent to it. Do I need to subscribe?

    Yes. List owners must also subscribe to a list to receive mail sent to it. Please review the Subscribing to a List section.

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    How do I remove a subscriber from a list?

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      DELETE listname e-mailaddress

      where listname is the name of your list and e-mailaddress is the subscriber's e-mail address. For example:

      DELETE boguslist a-newman@northwestern.edu

      removes a-newman@northwestern.edu from the list boguslist.

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    How do I add multiple subscribers to my list?

    PLEASE NOTE: Delivery cannot be guaranteed if you use the mailbox address NetID@mailhost.it.northwestern.edu, where mailhost is either casbah, hecky, lulu, or merle.

    You can add multiple users is by stacking the ADD command. Remember to keep each command on a separate line.

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      ADD listname emailaddress1 firstname1 lastname1
      ADD listname emailaddress2 firstname2 lastname2
      ADD listname emailaddress3 firstname3 lastname3

      For example:

      ADD boguslist a-newman@northwestern.edu Alfred E Newman
      ADD boguslist s-dog@northwestern.edu Spot T. Dog
      ADD boguslist j-doe@northwestern.edu Jane Doe

      Adds Alfred E Newman, Spot T. Dog, and Jane Doe to the list boguslist.

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    How do I find out who is subscribed to my list?

    The REVIEW command allows you to obtain a list of subscribers to a particular listserv mailing list:

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      REVIEW listname

      where listname is the name of your list. For example:

      Alfred wants to know who is subscribed to the list boguslist. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command REVIEW boguslist.

    3. A message will be returned with the list of subscribers.

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    Does NU Listserv delete subscribers whose mail bounces back as undeliverable?

    Yes, this is an automatic setting of the listserv. This occurs after a specified number of days and bounced messages.

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    How do I find out how my list is configured?

    To find out how your list is configured, use the INFO command:

    1. Send e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu without any subject line.
    2. Type the following command in the message:

      INFO listname


      Where listname is the name of the list. For example:

      Alfred wants to know how the list boguslist is configured. He sends an e-mail to listserv@listserv.it.northwestern.edu and types the command CONFIG boguslist.

    3. A message similar to the following was returned to Alfred:

      There is no information file for the LISTNAME list. Here is a copy of the list header, which usually contains a short description of the purpose of the list, although its main purpose is to define various list configuration options, also called keywords. If you have any question about the LISTNAME list, then write to the list owners at the generic address:

      LISTNAME-request@LISTSERV.ITCS.NORTHWESTERN.EDU

      * Testing List
      *
      * List-ID= LISTNAME
      * Owner= johndoe@northwestern.edu
      * Confidential= No
      * Send= Public
      * Ack= Msg
      * Reply-To= List,Respect
      * Subscription= By_Owner
      * Review= Owner
      * Digest= Yes,Same,Daily,00:01
      * Notebook= No
      *
      * {4 lines hidden}
      *
      * This list is a testing list
      *
      * <html>
      * This list is a testing list
      * </html>
      *
      * Requested by:johndoe@northwestern.edu
      *

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    How do I add or remove an owner?

    To add or remove a list owner, log in to the NU Listserv Web interface.

    1. From the List Management drop down list, select List Configuration. Then select List Configuration Tasks.

    List Configuration Tasks

    List Configuration Tasks

    2. You can add, delete, or modify listserv owners, editors and moderators on the List Configuration page. Information about who receives errors and notifications are also found here.

    List Configuration

    List Configuration

    How do I prevent spam from getting through to my list?

    The way in which a list is configured can help with preventing junk mail (spam) from getting through to your list. A helpful guide to configuring your lists can be found on the vendors website.

    Note: Lists on the NU Listserv are not available to Catalist and web archives are maintained behind university security and therefore available only to those with valid NetID's. Any publication of your list name and list address exposes you to a greater risk of receiving junk mail. Any owner of your list can change these settings and we encourage you to review your list owners on a regular basis.

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Last Updated: 16 October 2009

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