UM-Flint CRM Email Communications & Opt-In Preferences
Review and manage how UM-Flint communicates with you
Introduction
This article is intended for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students who would like to know about email opt-in management and how to manage their communication preferences for UM-Flint.
Campus communications serve as a way to keep you informed from the beginning and throughout your educational journey with us. Our Customer Relationship Management system is a vehicle for many of the messages you receive from the university. The different kinds of communications you may receive from the UM-Flint CRM are described in the section below.
There are a number of ways that you can update your preferences to control the kinds of messages you receive. However, there are also a few scenarios where we may need to ensure that you receive an important message.
Please note: While these preferences will be accounted for in a majority of situations, we are still working to centralize our communications. Not all messages from UM-Flint will originate from the CRM.
CRM Email Groups Overview
Email communications from UM-Flint can be divided into different segments, or more specifically, email groups. Email groups allow you to better tailor your experience with us. The email groups you subscribe to will determine the kinds of communications you receive from UM-Flint.
Below is a description of the email groups we utilize and what will be available to you:
| Group Name | Description | Intended Audience | Typical Content | Opt-In Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Information | Helpful information and resources available; promotions of available resources | Prospective and current students | Marketing communications | Opt-out available |
| Required University Communication | Critical UM-Flint information, deadlines, and announcements | Applicants, Admitted students, and current students; Current faculty and staff | Important deadlines, executive communications | Required for applicants, admits, enrolled students, faculty/staff |
| Events | Information about upcoming virtual or on-campus events | Prospective and current students | Event promotions, webinars | Opt-out available |
| Campus Life | Happenings at UM-Flint, campus and support services, student groups and clubs | Current students | Activities and opportunities on campus and in the Flint or wider UM communities | Opt-out available |
Please note: If no email groups are selected, you are considered opted into ALL email groups.
How to Manage Your Preferences
The methods to manage your communication preferences depends on your current relationship with UM-Flint.
Prospective Students or Applicants
Check out a recent email from UM-Flint and look for the button titled “Manage Preferences”. This button will direct you to a form which initiates the process of viewing and changing your preferences. The method below for current students requires university credentials and is not available for prospective students.
Current Students
Navigate to My UM-Flint and select the Email Lists button in the top right corner. There, you will find a link to a form below the Manage Email Lists section that will allow you to review and update your preferences.
Using the Email Footer Link
At the bottom left of any communications you may have received from the UM-Flint CRM, there is a link under the email footer titled “Manage Subscription Preferences”. This link will open in a new tab in your current browser and give a list of email groups to selectively opt into as well as an option to opt out of ALL email communications.
Automated Opt-In Scenarios
At UM-Flint, we will do our best to respect your communication preferences, including complete opt-outs of email. However, there are some instances where you may be opted back into emails in order to receive important information.
The types of messaging you can opt out from are based on whether or not the email is commercial in nature, in which the CAN-SPAM Act would apply.
Commercial Messaging (Subject to CAN-SPAM)
Below are some examples of commercial messaging that could be sent from UM-Flint:
- Emails to prospective students, even if you, the student, initiate the communication
- Tickets for an event (on or off campus) where there is a charge for admittance
- Emails sent by an external organization on behalf of the University
- Emails that contain links to a University site that promotes products or services
Transactional Messages (Not Subject to CAN-SPAM)
The following cases are considered to be transactional messages, based on an existing relationship with the University:
- Messages from Financial Aid on loans, grants or scholarships you may be currently receiving or have applied to
- An electronic newsletter that does not contain any advertisement of products or services or any solicitations
- Post-registration event messaging including confirmation, reminders and post-event surveys
- Messages from Student Accounts on outstanding balances or charges owed to the University
- Announcements of free events or services offered on campus or by the University
When You May Be Automatically Opted Back In
Many transactional messages are important to your success as a student at UM-Flint. In order to receive some of these critical messages, there are a few special cases where you may be opted back into email, if you had opted out previously:
- You have recently submitted a new application to the University
- You have been recently admitted to the University
- You are currently enrolled in classes at the University
- You have an outstanding balance owed to the University
- You have submitted a new program inquiry to the University
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I opt-out of certain groups for communications?
You may miss important information related to a particular unit on campus. Some essential communications cannot be opted out of.
Will I still receive SMS messages if I opt out of a particular group or out of all email communications?
Yes, email preferences will only impact the UM-Flint communications you receive by email. You can opt out of messages from a particular UM-Flint number by replying STOP.
Can I change my preferences at any time?
Yes, with the exception of the required groups listed above, you can opt in or out of any email groups whenever you wish.
I opted out of all email communications yet I’m still receiving emails from UM-Flint. What can I do?
Inquire directly with the department or unit that sent the message(s) that you wish to opt out of. In some cases, the department may be able to assist with updating your preferences for you or inform you on the source of the email if it has not come from the CRM.
Does the CAN-SPAM Act apply to UM-Flint email?
Yes. There are no exceptions for nonprofit or higher education institutions to CAN-SPAM. However, CAN-SPAM only applies to “commercial emails”.
Who can I contact for help?
Email flint.its.support@umich.edu or call 810-762-3123 for assistance.