Email distribution lists, also known as mailing lists, listservs or discussion lists, allow people with common interests to easily share information and participate in discussions by sending messages to a single email address. Typically, distribution lists are used for defined groups that need to receive communications on a regular bases. For example, "All KU Faculty & Staff" and "All KU Students" distribution lists are routinely used to send campuswide messages.

Distribution lists also can be used by individuals and campus groups to communicate with list members both inside and outside the University of Kansas. For example, a researcher could create a distribution list to communicate with a group of colleagues at other institutions.

KU IT offers two list serving methods: 1) KU Group Lists, and 2) Mailman.

KU Group Lists

KU Group Lists use the capabilities of Microsoft Exchange Distribution Lists and can be used for purposes other than just email, including group calendars and assigning rights to folders. Only KU faculty, staff and students with a KU Online ID can be included in a KU Group List.

There are two types of KU Group Lists:

• Course Group Lists
• Non-course Group Lists

Mailman Lists

Using the Mailman email distribution list service, KU faculty and staff can create mailing lists that include external subscribers. Mailman offers a convenient, web-based interface for list owners to configure their lists, manage subscription settings, approve messages if a list is moderated, and more. List subscribers also can manage their individual preferences through a similar web-based interface.

Find more information and compare Group Lists vs. Mailman Lists on the Email Distribution List page.