Gmail transition should be voluntary

Although the decision to switch to Gmail originated from suggestions from graduate students, only undergraduates will initially be moved to Gmail, leaving faculty, staff and even graduate students using the old webmail system. It may be a good idea to take the transition one step at a time, but doing this on a voluntary basis would be a more efficient approach. Rather than forcing over reluctant students or keeping out enthusiastic faculty, staff and graduate adoptors, allowing voluntary transition would enable thoseundergrads, graduates, faculty and staff less concerned with using Gmail for secure purposes (and more as a communication tool) to do so. Gmail provides a number of convenient services, such as document sharing and calendaring, that webmail will continue to lack. IT services already distributes information to departments and colleges; informing individuals of any security risks associated with switching to Gmail would enable people to make the choice for themselves.

Additionally, we are disappointed in the recent decision not to allow alumni to keep their email (or Gmail) addresses indefinitely. There has been much talk of the proposed change during the past year and permanent Rice emails would have allowed for new alumni to reduce the confusion that comes with having to switch email accounts. Two years is not enough time to switch all of one's contacts over to a new account. We implore the university to reconsider its position on this clearly advantageous proposal.