STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BINGHAMTON

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION

Policy Type:
Institutional Services

Policy Number:
501

Last Date Revised:
9/26/08
Policy Title:
Campus Mail Services
The following office is responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in this policy:
Physical Facilities - Principal Mail Clerk


The following CMS (Campus Mail Services) procedures and information should assist you in achieving faster deliveries and better service.  Your cooperation is appreciated.  Questions regarding current information and assistance may be directed to the CMS at extension 72914.  Addressing standards and Directory assistance can be accessed at: http://facilities.binghamton.edu/cms.htm

ADDRESSING PROCEDURES

A. INTRA-CAMPUS MAIL

For faculty and staff: Use person's name and department. Please do not use nicknames, initials, building or room numbers. The Innovative Technologies Complex and the University Downtown Center are serviced by the CMS, and intra-campus mail can be used by following the same procedures.

For students: Use #10 plain white envelope. Use student's name and BU Box number.

B. INCOMING MAIL

For faculty and staff: Addresses must include a name and department in order for it to be deliverable.

Use the proper Zip+4 along with the PO Box number for your department.

Mail not having a department in the address will be delayed while attempts are made to find the recipient.

Addressing Sample:   

Name
Department
PO Box 6###
Binghamton, NY 13902-6###
For students: All mail must include the correct BU Box number to be deliverable. All mail coming in from the United States Postal Service must have a PO Box number.

Private shippers will not deliver to a PO Box number, therefore, "4400 Vestal Parkway East" needs to be substituted for the PO Box number.

Mail not including a BU Box and PO Box number will be returned to sender.

Addressing Sample:

Name
BU Box #####
PO Box 6###
Binghamton, NY 13902-6###

OUTGOING DEPARTMENT MAIL

The department must be included in the return address for return purposes.  An account bar code must be included for charge back purposes. This will also speed the processing and improve the accuracy of the charges for outgoing mail. Priority, Express, Certified, and Registered forms can be ordered from the CMS.  Unless otherwise endorsed, all mail will be posted via First Class service.  This includes both domestic and foreign mail.

OUTGOING PERSONAL MAIL

To prevent personal mail from being returned to sender, please be sure to use the correct amount of postage.  Stamped mail over 13 ounces must be taken to a Federal Postal Facility or the CMS Personal Postage window.

SELF-SERVICE POSTAL UNIT

A vending machine for after hours use is in the lobby of the Campus Mail Services, located in the basement of the University Union.  Stamps are available from this unit.  Priority Mail and Express Mail envelopes and boxes are also available.

WINDOW SERVICE

The window in the lobby of the Campus Mail Services is open from 11 a.m.. until 2:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  As well as providing an opportunity for students and staff to pick up personal parcels, limited mailing services are available.  These include First Class, Priority, Express, Standard Mail, and overseas Air Mail of less than one pound.

POSTAL RATES AND FEES

Please call the CMS with your questions regarding current rates and fees.  You may also call the Binghamton branch of the United States Postal Service at 773-2145 with your questions.  The USPS also has an extensive web site.  Rate calculator, zip codes, and other useful information is available when you need it.  Just go to www.usps.gov for general information.  For the rate calculator go to http://postcalc.usps.gov/.

SPECIAL SERVICES

A. EXPRESS MAIL

This service provides guaranteed delivery of your letter or parcel to most destinations within the United States.

B. CERTIFIED MAIL

Certified Mail allows the sender to have proof of sending the item.  With Certified Mail, you may also have the recipient sign and send back a Return Receipt to let you know they have received their mail piece.

C. PRIORITY MAIL

Priority Mail is promoted by the USPS as having a 2 to 3 day delivery time within the United States, however, this delivery time is not guaranteed.  Any parcels over 12 ounces are automatically sent at the Priority Rate.  It is the CMS recommendation that any time sensitive material should be sent via another method.

D. INSURED MAIL

Packages needing insurance are sent via United Parcel Service. 

E. SUPPLIES AND FORMS

Supplies and forms for the above mentioned services are available from the CMS.  Please make sure to include your department name on all receipts that will be returned to you.

INTERNATIONAL MAIL

A. ENDORSEMENTS

Overseas mail will be sent via regular Air Mail unless otherwise endorsed.  For rates, fees, and time of delivery, please check the USPS web site. 

B. EXPRESS MAIL

You may use Express Mail to deliver time sensitive matter overseas with less paperwork than a private shipper requires.  Regular Domestic Express Mail envelopes and forms may be used, and customs forms are required for all parcels.

C. REGISTERED MAIL

When you need to send mail Certified to a foreign country  you must use Registered Mail.  You may also have a Return Receipt added for proof of delivery.

D. M-BAGS

Books may be sent at reduced rate by using an M-Bag.

E. CUSTOMS FORMS

These forms are needed on all parcels between one (1) to four (4) pounds.  Most parcels over four pounds need a special customs form.

IMEX

IMEX is a service provided to the University to send overseas mail at a reduced rate.  An IMEX form can be printed off of our web site and bundled with the mail you wish to send this way.  Be sure to include your name, department function code, piece count, and type of service desired on the form.  Please fill out a separate form for Canada mail.  Customs forms are not needed for packages over 1 pound.  For express deliveries use the Courier form (only one mail piece per form).  IMEX provides a pickup at the CMS every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.    

UPS

The University has a contract with United Parcel Service to ship larger parcels for us.  They provide the opportunity to track and insure the shipment.  Also offered is one, two, or three day delivery.  UPS shipments are for within the United States only.

OGS COURIER

This is a free courier service between certain state agencies.  Please contact the CMS for further details.   

Management Procedures
100 - Budget and Finance 500 - Institutional Services 750 - Research Foundation
200 - Business Affairs 600 - Personnel and Payroll 800 - Security and Safety
400 - Facilities and Property 700 - Binghamton University Foundation 900 - Office of the Provost