Overview
Google Groups make it easy for groups of people -- such as project teams, departments, or classmates -- to communicate and collaborate by providing a way to send information to a large group of people at one time. F&M has groups set up to communicate messages to groups of people with similar information needs, such as graduating classes, students, faculty, professional staff, and many others. There are also Groups set up to communicate specific types of information -- such as IT information, facilities information, announcements from the business office and President's office, and many more -- to select groups of people.
ITS Topics Explained
Google Groups Can Be Used as an Email/Mailing List
When you set up a group, you can select a unique email address that is related to the Group, such as SuggestionBox@fandm.edu, BookClub@fandm.edu, and BusTripSignups@fandm.edu.
A few important things to know when a Google Group is used as an email address or mailing list:
- Messages must be used creating the Google Groups app.
- One or more people can receive messages sent to the email address or mailing list.
- It is best to name one Manager of the account, and then that person can create additional Managers, if needed.
- You can restrict who can send email messages to the group.
- Messages can be moderated. While a message can be initiated by many people, you can select a small number of people who can then approve the message before it is distributed.
- Messages are typically retained as a Google Group archive. You can see a list of all previous messages that went to that Group
Other Groups Uses
To Share Files
There are advantages to sharing files stored on Google Drive with groups. When people join or leave a department, their access to files can be easily managed. The Manager can add or remove a person from the group.
As a Web Forum
We have a few Web Forums that are built using Google Groups. These are currently referred to as F&M Bulletin Boards.
How Google Groups are Maintained
There are a large number of Google Groups that are managed through the Banner system. If someone needs to be added or removed, check with the Human Resources department. There are also custom (ad hoc) Google Groups that were created for a special purpose and managed by designated Managers who can add or remove members through the Google Groups interface.
How to Create a Google Group
You cannot create a Google Group yourself. To request a new Google Group, create a Service Request here.
Find Your Groups
To see which Google Groups you are a member of, visit groups.google.com/my-groups.
Important Notes
The Help Desk
Need more help? Contact us!
- Enter a Service Request here on this page to route your request to the right expert.
- Call the Help Desk at 717-358-6789.
- Stop by and see us in Martin Science Library.