If you are trying to sign up for an Outlook Mail Account, Please click: Sign Up

During the weekend of May 29th~31st 2009, the web page for starting the Outlook Web Access (OWA) was updated.

We are using a similar login process as we have used in the past, but now only your username and password are needed. The domain name entry is no longer required.

In addition to a different look, you will see two radio button options to choose from under Security. There is also a checkbox for Outlook Web Access Light. Both are explained in more detail below.

Exchange 2007 allows for two different Web Client experiences when using OWA - "Normal" and "Light".  OWA is able to recognize the web client you are using and only present the web client that your browser can fully utilize.  If you have a web browser that supports the full feature set available in the "Normal" client then both options will be available to you.  Web browsers that do not support the "Normal" client will automatically be given the "Light" client. 

Additionally, for security reasons, the OWA web client is set to "Public or Shared Computer" and will "time-out" more quickly. By default, OWA will log you out automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity (TIP:  Save long messages you are composing every 5-8 minutes to tell OWA you are still active).  You also have the option to tell OWA that you are working on a private computer. If this radio button is selected the inactivity period will be 8 hours before you are logged out.  Only use the Private computer option if you are using OWA on your home or office computer and you are the only user of that machine.  If you are using OWA in a public venue or a computer used by several people and forget to log off, you run the risk of someone else accessing your account from the shared computer.

Why would I choose to use the "Light" client if I can use the "Normal" client?
The "Light" client has less features, so it is more streamlined and generally faster to use.  If you are accessing the internet over a dial-up or slow connection then the "Light" client might be a better choice than the "Normal" client.

1. Password must be at least six characters in length.
2. Password must consist of at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one number or symbol.
3. Password must be significantly different than one you have used in the past.
4. Password must NOT be any part of your name or username.
5. You will only be allowed to change your password one (1) time during a twenty-four (24) hour period.

If you experience any problems while attempting to change your password, please call the Computing Services Help Desk at extension 1765 or from off campus at 524-1765.

Why can't I connect using my favorite mail client?
Most likely you have what is called a "pop3" client. This is an older software protocol that sends usernames and passwords in clear text. For security reasons that had to stop. We discontinued support for this protocol several years ago, but allowed existing users time to transition to the preferred and supported clients. Currently the supported clients are: "on-campus - Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, and Entourage" and "off-campus - Outlook Web Access".

The short story is that the "pop3" use had to be completely discontinued. A more secure protocol, "imaps" has been offered instead. This protocol is NOT supported, but if you feel that the preferred and supported clients cannot be adapted to suit your needs, you may attempt to configure an "imaps" client.
The server name for the "imaps" service is: securemail.santarosa.edu
You will need your normal login name and password. Getting the client to work and maintaining your email using the "imaps" client is your responsibility.