You can access your e-mail on the Electronic Mail Hub in a variety of ways. Computing Services recommends you use Marshall University's Web Portal, also called myMU. Other methods of accessing your Marshall e-mail include the use of Internet-based e-mail programs. Basic instructions on configuring these common programs are listed below in the section titled "Using an Internet-based E-mail Program".

myMU: The Marshall University Web Portal
The myMU Web Portal offers an easy-to-use, web-based interface to your messages stored on the Marshall Electronic Mail Hub. This browser-based access is ideal for today's on-the-go e-mail users. In addition to the ability to read, reply and create new messages, myMU provides you with enhanced features such as a large address book, SSL-secured access, use of file attachments, and improved folder management. You now have instant access to your campus e-mail messages from just about any computer that has Internet access and a web browser. The primary benefit of the myMU e-mail interface is there is no need to configure your computer's e-mail application to access your e-mail. Simply point your web browser to:

http://www.marshall.edu/myMU

Using an Internet-based e-mail Program
Another option to access your e-mail on the Electronic Mail Hub is through the use of Internet-based e-mail programs. Examples of Internet-based e-mail programs include software such as Outlook Express (included with Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS), Netscape Communicator, and Eudora. Initially, you will need to take a few minutes to configure the e-mail program on your primary computer (in the residence halls, apartment or home) to use the appropriate mail servers.

Safe computing note: Configuring Internet e-mail is only recommended for your own computer. If you incorrectly configure Internet-based e-mail on a computer that is shared with other users, they may be able to read your e-mail messages. It is best to use web-based e-mail such as mymu when using a computer lab or visiting friends or relatives.

A brief understanding of the various mail servers is helpful in properly configuring your e-mail program. Marshall University Electronic Mail Hub actually runs three different types of mail servers (two for reading your e-mail and one for sending e-mail messages).

In order to read your e-mail from the Electronic Mail Hub you will need to specify either the POP or the IMAP mail server (each of which are also known as incoming mail servers). Your e-mail program may allow you to choose the type of mail server to use. When configuring your e-mail program for IMAP, you should specify IMAP.marshall.edu as your incoming mail server. When configuring your e-mail program for POP3, you should specify POP.marshall.edu as your incoming mail server.

When you send an e-mail message, your e-mail program will need to connect to an SMTP server (sometimes known as an outgoing mail server). The SMTP server is responsible for sending electronic mail messages and must be configured in your e-mail program.

How you configure an SMTP server in your e-mail program depends on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that you use to connect to the Internet. If you are on-campus, or if you dial-in using WVNET as your ISP, you can specify SMTP.marshall.edu as your outgoing  mail server. Otherwise, you should contact your ISP to determine the Internet name of their SMTP server. If you cannot use your ISP's mail server and you are not on the Marshall network, then you will have to configure your program to use secure SMTP port 587, and set your program to use your MUNet username and password. Computing Services uses this configuration to prevent unauthorized SPAM e-mail from being sent through our servers. You will not be able to send your e-mail through MUMAIL - you will receive a "relaying error" - without this being correctly configured.

Before attempting to use an Internet-based Mail Program, you should verify that your e-mail is being delivered to the Electronic Mail Hub. You can do this by checking the E-mail Delivery Location for your account. The on-line e-mail Delivery Location page displays your e-mail address, which will need to be entered into your e-mail program. You can use this webpage to have your Marshall.edu e-mail delivered (forwarded) to another e-mail address. (This is the e-mail equivalent of a postal forwarding order when you change addresses.)

Finally, you will need your MUNet Username and Password for the MUMAIL system. Your e-mail Program will require this information in order to connect to the Marshall University Electronic Mail Hub to access your e-mail messages.

Still Have Questions?
Should you need further assistance with accessing your e-mail, please contact the Computing Services Help Desk.