There are four types of mailing list offered at K-State. Faculty and staff (non-student employees) must submit a request form for the mailing list that they would like.
Distribution lists and LISTSERV mailing lists are the most common ways for mass email communication at K-State. They both allow for the distribution of messages among a group, however, there are some distinct differences that can help you determine which type of list best meets your needs. In summary, a distribution list is best used for simple, small group communication. It is a no frills email list. The maximum number of email addresses in a distribution list is 200. If you need more than 200 email addresses, a LISTSERV is a better option. LISTSERV mailing lists let you configure the list to your needs and can be used for small group messaging but is best used for communicating with a large group.
| Feature | Distribution list | LISTSERV mailing list |
|---|---|---|
| Can include KSU and non-KSU members | Yes | Yes | Designated list owner(s) | Yes | Yes | Manage list with your eID | Yes | No, separate LISTSERV account needed |
| Open subscription option | No, owner must add members | Yes |
| Archiving options | No | Yes, messages can be stored with LISTSERV |
| Listed in K-State White Pages | No | No |
| Searchable in K-State Zimbra GAL | Yes, but IT Help Desk must turn on | No |
Distribution lists. The list contact person manages the membership in eProfile (eID sign in required). After signing in with your eID and password, click the Manage shared accounts and list link. To change the contact person, contact the IT Help Desk.
LISTSERV mailing list. List owners manage membership through the L-Soft LISTSERV web application. Owners will sign in with their K-State email address but not their eID password. Instead, to manage your memberships, you must get a LISTSERV password. After signing in, go to Mailing List Management Interface in the Administration section. From the List Management page, select your list, and then click the Subscribers button. Follow the prompts on the next page. For help, contact the IT Help Desk or email listhelp@ksu.edu.
Enrollment-based mailing list. Your list is automatically updated nightly as students add or drop your class according to the Registrar's Office. You can add other people to the list such as teaching assistants and guest speakers using the L-Soft LISTSERV web application. Sign in with your K-State email address but not your eID password. Instead, to manage your list, you must get a LISTSERV password. After signing in, go to Mailing List Management Interface in the Administration section. From the List Management page, select your list, and then click the Subscribers button. Follow the prompts on the next page. For help, contact the IT Help Desk or email listhelp@ksu.edu.
Internal mailing list. Basic lists are updated at your request by submitting the internal list request form and indicating on the form that you already have a list and the changes you need. Auto-updated lists are automatically updated at least once a week.
List owners can change their list's options through the L-Soft LISTSERV web application. Owners will sign in with their K-State email address but not their eID password. Instead, to manage your list, you must get a LISTSERV password. After signing in, go to Mailing List Management Interface in the Administration section. From the List Management page, select your list, and then the feature you need to change.
To delete a mailing list you no longer need, whether its a distribution list, LISTSERV mailing list, enrollment-based, or internal, please email listhelp@ksu.edu with your request to delete your list.
No, your list is not searchable on K-State's white pages. However, LISTSERV mailing lists can be be made public so that it can be searchable.
Only faculty and staff, not student employees, can submit requests for mailing lists. After the list is created, a student can be added as an owner.
Within K-State Zimbra, you can create a contact group. A contact group in K-State Zimbra allows you to create contact lists that contain multiple mailing addresses. When you select a group contact name, everyone whose address is included in the group list is automatically added to the address field of the message. Additionally, with K-State Zimbra you can share contacts so you can share this list with another K-Stater, if desired.