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General FAQs

General FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by faculty and staff about their Webmail accounts:
Q. What is the difference between Microsoft Outlook Web App (OWA), Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Exchange? click
  • Microsoft Outlook, and Outlook Web App (OWA) a.k.a Webmail allows you to check your email, make calendar appointments, view contact list, set tasks, etc. Microsoft Exchange® is the platform in the background that facilitates these services.
Q. What mail clients are supported? click
  • The following Webmail clients will be supported by the OIT Service Desk:
    • Microsoft Outlook 2010 and up for PC
    • Microsoft Outlook 2011 and up for Mac
  • If you are not using a OIT supported mail client, you should make plans to switch to one of the supported clients. You may also consider using the Outlook Web App (OWA) as your primary way of accessing your Exchange calendar and email. OWA works in all modern browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome on Windows and Firefox, Safari on Mac OS X.
Q. What is my mailbox size? click
  • All mailboxes will have a size limit of 3 GB.
Q. Would there be a quota in the Webmail environment? click
  • Yes. Webmail users will be subject to a 3 GB storage quota. This quota is being created to ensure optimal performance of the system and to ensure good stewardship of email resources. Most Webmail users will experience no impact related to the existence of quotas. Users who regularly take steps to manage their accounts are likely to stay well below their storage quota. For users who are approaching their established quota, an automated, daily message informing them of their status will be sent to their Inbox. If the quota is surpassed, users will be prohibited from sending messages, but will continue to receive messages until their utilization is reduced below their established quota. Additional information about Managing Quotas in Webmail will be available in our General Webmail FAQs.
Q. What is Auto-Archiving? click
  • Auto-archiving is enabled on all mailboxes and will automatically move emails over the 3 GB quota or older than 12 months to an archive folder. This keeps your mailbox from going over-quota all the while preserving your emails.
Q. What are the password complexity rules for Webmail? click
  • The password must be at least eight (8) characters in length (it can be longer), with at least one alphabetic and one numeric character. The password cannot contain spaces or your first or last name. The password cannot be your birth date, email account name, or student ID. The new password must differ from the previous password. See Password Guidelines
  • Tips for selecting a strong password:
    • You can select a memorable nonsense phrase, and use the first letter of each word; for example the phrase “Go Place 4 Telephones In A Freezer?” yields the password: gp4tiaf?
    • The longer the password, the harder it is to crack by automated cracking programs.
    • You can mix upper- and lower-case alphabetic characters.
    • You can use special characters such as *, $, +, etc.
  • Caution: Never give your password to anyone; City College staff will never contact you for that information. Protecting your password is very important to guard against unauthorized access and misuse of services in your name.
Q. Can I forward to my personal email account? click
    • No. On June 1st, 2016, the CCNY Office of Information Technology is required to remove forwarding capabilities from our mail servers to any domain outside of cuny.edu. If you are forwarding email to an outside domain, please prepare for this change. If you need assistance configuring your smart phone or mail client, contact our service desk at 212-650-7878 and we will assist you with configuring a workable solution. >>More Details
Q. Can I use my mobile device with Webmail? click
  • Yes, the following mobile devices will be supported with Webmail:
    • IOS devices
    • Android (Versions compatible with Exchange Activesync®)
    • BlackBerry
Q. How do I get training and support for Webmail click
  • You can speak with the tech that assisted with the migration for general information. However, for more detailed information, please review the Webmail FAQs, the Reference Guide.

 

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