Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer
Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer
Case Western Reserve University's independent student news source

The Observer

ITS covers university webmail during fourth week of social media event

Tyler Hoffman, News Editor
April 5, 2012

Monday, April 9 marks the start of the fourth week of Case Western Reserve University Information Technology Services’ (ITS) social media event.

Over an eight-week period this spring, ITS will highlight the use of their social media as information vehicles. Each week they will offer tips and resources on a different facet of CWRU information technology through their presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. People who actively engage with ITS by asking questions and sharing information will have the chance to win gift cards to local businesses such as Barnes and Noble and Starbucks.

Since email is the university’s official form of communication, this week’s topic is applicable to every member of the CWRU community.

“CWRU’s email is provided by Google through its Google Apps for Education program. Students, faculty, and staff can access their email online at webmail.case.edu, where they will use the popular Gmail user interface for reading and sending email,” Kristen Kolenz, training analyst for ITS, explained.

However, some university staff and faculty members prefer using an email client native to their machine for accessing their messages. “People who are more comfortable using an email client like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Mail for Mac can use those programs, instead. Directions for connecting CWRU email to an email client are available online at help.case.edu on the CWRU email training page,” said Kolenz. “There are also directions for connecting mobile device email clients with CWRU email on that page.”

Toward the end of the week, information about the Gmail interface’s “new look,” from which users may no longer opt out, will be provided. The revamped interface debuted several months ago, featuring a wide array of new, high-definition themes, improved search capabilities, adjustable density settings, and a minimalist design.

During this week, ITS will be offering gift card giveaways on its Google+ social media platform. Its tags for social media are CWRU Information Technology Services on Facebook and Google+ and @CWRUITS on Twitter. Watch The Observer for the latest information on the next topic to be tackled and why it is a relevant issue for the university community.

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About the Contributor
Tyler Hoffman
Tyler Hoffman, Executive Editor & Publisher
. Fourth-year medical anthropology student Tyler Hoffman has served as Executive Editor and Publisher of The Observer since April 2012. As Executive Editor, Tyler is responsible for establishing and maintaining the direction of The Observer's print and online platforms. Formerly the News Editor, he specializes in research reporting and digital publishing, which are skills he honed as a health writer and editor with the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In addition to his work with The Observer, Tyler chairs the University Media Board and co-chairs the Student Executive Council. In April 2013, he was the recipient of CWRU's Outstanding Member of the Media Award. -- Outside of campus media, Tyler is the Division of Information Technology Services' Student Engagement Leader, in which he helps direct efforts to support students in their use of academic technologies at the university. When not working, Tyler, a passionate fan of food and cooking, enjoys kicking back with his friends and  tasting his way through the Cleveland restaurant scene. Reach Tyler at tyler.hoffman@case.edu and on Twitter @tylerehoffman. .