Computing
and Information Services

Together we can maintain a happy and healthy e-mail system! The tips below will help you get started organizing your email account. You'll find instructions whether you use the VMail web client, Mac Mail or Thunderbird (PC / Mac) as a desktop mail client. Remember to clean house regularly; once a day, once a week, or even once a month would do.  Click here for tips on proper care and feeding of your email account.

How do I select multiple messages?

VMail allows you to multiple select the way you would in a local mail client.  Hold Shift and click (for adjacent messages) or Control and click to select multiple messages.

How do I add multiple attachments?

For each file you want to add, click the “Add Attachment” button once and you will get another “Browse” box added to your mail message.   Browse for one file in each.

Do I have to type "@Vassar.edu" for each Vassar email or just the user name?

In VMail you need to enter the full email address for all recipients.  For example, in the past you may have entered jodoe to send email to John Doe who has a Vassar.edu email. You must now enter the full address as jodoe@Vassar.edu.   You should do this in your local mail client as well.

Previously, I used Control Panel to change my options. Where do I change them now?

The Control Panel (http://controlpanel.vassar.edu) options for mail are now within VMail on the “Preferences" tab. Control Panel is only for password resets.

I don’t see all of my items in my inbox or sent items. How do I see them all?

On the right of your mail toolbar you’ll see the number of messages with forward and back arrows (i.e. <- 1-25 -> ). You can page through them using the arrows or to change the number of items displayed at once, go to the “Options” tab and to the “Mail” sub-tab and change “Number of items to be displayed per page”. VMail can display a maximum of 100 messages per page.

I only see the contents of my message in the reading pane. How do I open a message?

Use the "detach" button on the menu to open message in a new window. If you have a pop-up blocker you must set it to allow pop-ups from this site. Alternatively, you can turn off the preview pane by going to the “Options” tab, the to the “Mail” sub-tab and un-checking the box beside “Always show the reading pane”. When you double click a message it will open in full view.

How do I add BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) when sending a message in VMail?

When composing a new message, click the "Show BCC" option right beside the CC field. This will display the BCC field in your new message and remain visible in all emails you send until you log off. You will have to select this option again the next time you log on and want to send a message with a BCC.

As always, you will access your VMail at webmail.vassar.edu. Safari users can now access VMail with the same ease and full features available in other browsers. Click here for highlights of some notable features added in August of 2008.

I prefer using a local email client to using the web mail application. Can I do this?

Yes! Complete instructions on migrating your email for Mac Mail, Thunderbird and Eudora are provided here.

My local client asks me for my password every time I try to send mail. Is there a way to change this?

Yes. While on campus, you can uncheck the box for Use Secure Authentication and this will prevent your client from repeatedly asking for your password. However, for off campus use, “Use Secure Authentication” must remain checked. Complete instructions on migrating your email for Mac Mail, Thunderbird and Eudora are provided here.

What are the proper server configurations for checking my email with a desktop client?

Incoming server: imap.vassar.edu
Outgoing Server: smtp.vassar.edu

What about POP?

Changes made in your desktop client will only be reflected in the web client if you are using IMAP to retrieve your email. If you are using POP you are only making changes locally.

We recommend and support the use of IMAP on campus. If you'd like to switch from POP to IMAP send an email to helpdesk@vassar.edu and someone will be happy to assist you in making the transition.

Can VMail be used with all browsers?

VMail is compatible with the following browsers

• For Windows XP: Firefox 1.x or better and IE 6 or better
• For Mac OS X: Firefox 1.5 or better and Safari