If you thought you were the only one having problems with the University e-mail lately, you're not alone.
TigerMail Live, the new e-mail system offered through a partnership between Microsoft and Auburn University, has caused its share of problems with students, some of whom say they regret making the switch.
Director of OIT User Services Ellyn Hix and Manager of OIT User Services Brian Anderson said they have heard the cries of students and are doing their best to fix them as soon as possible.
According to Anderson, TigerMail Live is now available to about 90 percent of the student body, excluding graduate students.
Since they began to offer the new service, only one-third of students have made the switch, making it difficult for them to get feedback that may easily solve some of the problems.
"We need more feedback and need more students opting-in," Hix said. "The students need to make sure they use the Auburn help desk and OIT numbers if they are experiencing any problems because we want to know about them."
Eventually all students must make the change to TigerMail Live, although an exact date has not been set.
However, the new system does offer services that are not available with the old TigerMail.
Among these new features are a SkyDrive, which will let students store data online, a 10 gigabyte ad-free mailbox, live chat, the capability to upload photos and completely customize Web pages for you or groups you may be involved with.
Another feature that is sure to entice students is the ability to use any Microsoft Office program online, even if the operating computer does not have them.
Many students who have made the switch, though, say they have had trouble navigating the new system and that the instructions available are not as clear as they could be.
"The online instructions for setting up the account on my iPhone were awful and extremely complicated," said Justin Neisler, a recent Auburn alumnus. "While I did finally get incoming mail to work, I have yet to be able to get outgoing mail from my phone to work yet."
Neisler did point out that he likes the ability to keep his Auburn e-mail active past the one-year expiration date for alumni, a feature that both Hix and Anderson confirmed.
The account will stay active for life.
Among the other complaints are problems with usage on smart phones, mail not coming in or out, a two-week transfer for old e-mails, slow response time and confusing setup.
Andrew Mackey, senior in political science, said he started receiving e-mails at the new address before he gave it out to anyone.
"My saved e-mails took two weeks to fully transfer over, and all of my inbox had been labeled as 'unread,'" Mackey added.
Many students remain unaware of the new service.
Some that have been invited to make the switch are hesitant because they are comfortable with the old system or because of the feedback they have gotten from friends about TigerMail Live.
"I haven't signed up because I generally like the way my e-mail functions as it is, and I don't really want to take the time to switch to the other system because I have not really had to," said Alexander McSwain, senior in philosophy.
While TigerMail Live left a bad impression for many students, others who have yet to change have also experienced problems.
Overall, change is probably the issue for most students.
Anderson and Hix said they promise OIT is doing its best to make the switch comfortable for students and is considering putting a link on the TigerMail login page that will allow anyone to submit comments or feedback.
At this time, OIT said the best decision for students is to make the switch and give the new system a chance, adding that they are there for help when students need it, and that these minor problems should be temporary.
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