UD uses Google Groups to provide a convenient way for you to communicate and collaborate with groups of people. A Google Group contains the email addresses of its members, so you can send a message to all of the group’s members using the single address for the group. In addition, you can use the group’s email address to manage access to other Google resources (e.g. documents, calendars, etc.).
Types of Google Groups
Owner-Defined groups
These groups are created centrally by UDit at the request of a faculty or staff member. Once created, the requestor can manage the group’s membership and other settings to meet their needs. The most common use of these groups is for lists of department members or committees.
Computed groups
These groups are created automatically based on information pulled from Banner or other systems. Membership in the group is based on specific parameters in an individual's personnel or student record. The most common use of these groups is for class rosters or lists of students by major.
If you are interested in a Google Group, complete the Google Group Request form.
Accessing Google Groups
Log in to your UD Google account. Click the 3x3 Google Apps grid in the upper right corner of any Google Apps service then click Groups.
Differences between Google Groups and personal contact groups (labels)
Google Group
A Google Group is created centrally by UDit and is similar to a listserv. It is assigned its own email address so others can send messages to it.
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When you type the name of a Google Group in the "To" field of a new message, you will see something like "flyer_fans" <flyer_fans@udayton.edu>.
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A message sent using a Google Group email address counts as one message against your sending limits. Note, however, that each external (non-UD) email address in the Group is counted as one recipient.
Personal Contact Group (Label)
Personal contact groups (labels) are created by you and have a name that represents multiple email addresses (i.e., you can type in the group name rather than typing in each individual email address). It does NOT have its own email address so it can only be used by you.
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When you type the name of a Personal Contact Group (Label) in the "To" field of a new message, you have the option to select the label name. Once selected, the contact names associated with the label are added to the email.
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A message sent using a personal contact group counts as X messages against your sending limits, where X = the number of individuals in your Personal Contact Group (Label).
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Creating personal contact groups (Labels)
Additional Resources
Google Group Request
Manage Owner-Defined Google Groups
Sending an Email to Your Class Roster in Gmail