LSU runs a mailing list manager called LISTSERV from L-Soft International. LISTSERV is e-mail list management software that supports:
- E-mail newsletters
- Announcement / distribution lists
- Discussion communities and similar group communications
LISTSERV lists use addresses in the form listname@listserv.lsu.edu and are administered by designated list owners.
Who can use LISTSERV?
Requests for new lists are available to active LSU faculty and staff and to recognized student organizations working through a faculty or staff sponsor.
Ownership requirements
- Every LISTSERV must have at least one LSU faculty or staff member listed as an owner and responsible party at all times.
- Students and external individuals may not be the sole owner of a LISTSERV list; lists that end up with only a student or outside owner will be disabled until a faculty or staff member assumes ownership.
Additional co-owners (including student leaders or external collaborators) may be added as appropriate, but they cannot replace the required LSU faculty/staff owner.
Appropriate use and limitations
- LISTSERV lists are manually managed: there is no automatic integration to build or update membership from Workday, data warehouse, or other systems. List owners are responsible for maintaining subscriber lists (adding, removing, and periodically validating recipients).
- Recipients can unsubscribe themselves from most lists using the standard LISTSERV unsubscribe options.
- LISTSERV must not be used for marketing or advertising communications. Other solutions (e.g., Omni Campaign Manager, Workday based cohorts, AD mail enabled groups) are preferred for mass marketing or broadcast scenarios.
All LISTSERV use must comply with applicable LSU IT and e-mail policies and any relevant university policy statements.
Requesting and supporting LISTSERV lists
ITS service catalog – LISTSERV services
Use the ITS Service Catalog to request new lists or assistance with existing lists:
Key services:
ITS Service Desk support
For general assistance with LISTSERV requests or if you are unsure which service to use, contact the ITS Service Desk:
- Phone: 225-578-3375
- E-mail: servicedesk@lsu.edu
- In person: First floor of the Frey Computing Services Center or first floor of the LSU Library
The Service Desk can also help route tickets correctly within the LISTSERV service catalog.
Managing a LISTSERV list
List owners manage their lists (subscribers, settings, and moderation) primarily through the LISTSERV web interface. Please see below for step-by-step guidance on common list administration tasks:
This article covers Managing LISTSERV functions, including subscribing/unsubscribing users, owner actions, and other common commands.
Official LISTSERV documentation (L-Soft)
For more advanced configuration and command reference, please refer to LSoft’s official manual:
This manual documents list configuration keywords, moderation and security options, command syntax, and advanced list-owner features.
LSU Support & Policy Statements
Service Desk Contact Information
LSU Policy Statements