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Date Last Reviewed:
03/23/2007

Mailman Listserv Roles and Responsibilities

Information Technology Services provides access to the Mailman Listserv Software for any Faculty/Staff, Department, or other NIU affiliated organization that has the need for a listserv.  ITS is responsible for maintaining the server and software as well as providing support for the Mailman software.  Individual list configuration, membership management, and content is the responsibility of the designated list administrator and/or their designee.

ITS does not "advertise" any lists with the exception of the option to be listed on the public Mailman List Page.  It is the responsibility of the individual list administrator to provide subscription and list information for their lists.  Users can be directed to the List User Information page for basic information on user subscription management.

The List Administrator (list owner) is the individual who administers their individual list.  The list administrator is encouraged to review the Mailman List Administrator Guide to review all their list settings before going "live" with their list.  The list administrator is responsible for the following:

• Completing the initial configuration of their list to ensure it operates to their specific specifications.  The list administrator should review the Mailman List Administrator Guide to complete their initial configuration
• Informing ITS of relevant changes such as canceling a listserv or other technical problems.
• Being the single point-of-contact regarding their list.
• Designating the List Moderators for pending request notifications.
• Distributing moderator password for access as needed.
• Adhering to the NIU Acceptable Use Policy and NIU E-Mail Policy.

List Administrators can also complete any of the Moderator tasks listed using their list administrator password.

The List Moderator(s) are designated by the individual list administrators.  List moderators are responsible for:

• Approving or rejecting the pending moderator requests.  Depending on the list configuration, your list may send notifications for subscription requests or postings by moderated list members.  This configuration is determined by the list administrator.
• Moderators are usually the point of contact for list members regarding their list.
• Adhering to the NIU Acceptable Use Policy and NIU E-Mail Policy.

The List Users or Subscribers are the individual members of the list.  List Users receive all messages sent to the list either immediately or in a digest as determined by their subscription options.

• Following the expectations and objectives of the listserv as defined by the list administrator or moderator.
• Not posting inflammatory messages.
• Saving subscription confirmation for future reference regarding listserv operation.
• Unsubscribing or requesting to be temporarily removed in a timely fashion if going on vacation.
• Adhering to the NIU Acceptable Use Policy and NIU E-Mail Policy.

Failure to adhere to the expectations of membership could cause your subscription to be revoked and/or blocked from the system.