MAIL SERVICES ADVISORY
Incoming mail with improper street addresses could be returned to the sender
U.S. mail that is addressed to the University's 44325 ZIP code could be returned to the sender if it contains a street address other than 302 Buchtel Common.
This issue, which is affecting organizations nationwide, is the result of the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) increasing use of automation. Sorting machines are programmed to expect only one street address (302 Buchtel Common) with the University's 44325 ZIP code. When a different address appears, the machines interpret the address as invalid and reject it.
What can you do? Advise senders to stop using a street address on any mail to the University's primary ZIP code, which is 44325. Senders should use only the recipient's name or department name, the city, state, ZIP code and the proper ZIP+4 number, if known. It is helpful, but not necessary, to include "The University of Akron" in the address.
Here are examples:
Here's a PDF file that you can print and post for reference: Flier
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:
What should I do about business cards and letterhead that contain a street address and the 44325 ZIP?
Business cards and letterhead that contain an improper address should be updated. Contact Michael A. Szczukowski, Director of Materials Handling, at mas149@uakron.edu or ext. 2542 for details.
Are packages sent via FedEx and other companies affected by this?
No. Continue to address these items as you always have. Only letters and packages shipped by the USPS are affected.
What is the University doing to minimize the chance of incoming mail being returned to senders?
UA's Mailing Services has supplied the USPS in
Akron
with all known
University street
addresses, and the USPS has updated its software locally to accept mail with a street address so that it ultimately reaches the proper University departments. But because we cannot update computers outside of Akron, some sorting systems may interpret the UA street address as invalid and return it to the senders.
Departments and organizations should inform their clients, customers, suppliers and students of the preferred way to address University-bound letters and packages.
Is resident student mail affected?
No. The addresses for the residence halls use ZIP codes other than 44325.
What about Web sites that have a street address and the 44325 ZIP?
You will want to clarify your campus location versus mailing address on your Web pages. Please do this immediately.
In the past, I have seen "302 Buchtel Mall" used as the University's official street address. Is that address OK?
No. The only valid street address for our 44325 ZIP code is 302 Buchtel Common. If a street address other than 302 Buchtel Common is used on incoming mail, it will be delayed and could be marked "Return To Sender" if proper addressing is not used. You should change "302 Buchtel Mall" to "302 Buchtel Common" in every instance.
Is there a list of each department's ZIP+4 number available on the Web?
Using a ZIP+4 number improves the speed at which campus and
U.S.
mail is delivered. A directory of the ZIP+4 numbers for all departments is here: http://www.uakron.edu/aux/mail/zip4.php . The department listings in the Faculty and Staff Directory also have the ZIP+4 codes.
When did the University learn of this problem?
In May. While investigating the cause behind delayed incoming mail, the University learned that the delay was due to the use of street addresses on mail.
I have more questions about this change. Who can I call?
The answer may be found on the UA Mail Services' Web site at http://www.uakron.edu/aux/mail/index.php or you may contact Michael A. Szczukowski at mas149@uakron.edu or ext. 2542.
Posted June 10, 2006. Updated June 29, 2006. Contact names updated May 18, 2007.
