Rice University’s Student Newspaper — Since 1916

Friday, March 29, 2024 — Houston, TX

Gmail transition should be voluntary

By Staff Editorial     5/16/11 7:00pm

While the decision to delay switching to Gmail in order to properly work out issues of security and control is laudable, the method of switching to Gmail may ultimately prove confusing and inefficient (see story, page 1).

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.





More from The Rice Thresher

OPINION 3/26/24 11:00pm
Now is the time to understand religious diversity and discrimination at Rice

In the midst of a nationwide increase in religious discrimination and hostility, particularly following the events of Oct. 7 in Israel and ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, there is a need to examine how Rice University students have been impacted, how they are responding and the degree to which religious tolerance, religious accommodations, and perceptions of religious discrimination at Rice have changed. 

OPINION 3/26/24 10:59pm
We need to diversify Rice’s foodscape

Rice students have lots to say about access to food while on and around campus.  Rice’s unique foodscape lives and breathes the school’s motto of unconventional wisdom by helping accommodate a diverse group of students.  But to a certain extent, it could benefit from a taste of conventional wisdom.  Implementing other universities’ foodscape features at Rice would benefit our students.


Comments

Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.