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Voice Mail

The PhoneMail system:

  • Answers your telephone electronically and plays your personal greeting to callers.
  • Accepts and stores voice messages in your PhoneMail mailbox.
  • Record the date, time, and the caller's phone number directly on the message.
  • Plays back your messages at your convenience.
  • Allows you remote access anytime, anywhere, to get messages.
  • Provides each faculty and staff with one PhoneMail box with unlimited message space
  • Provides each residence hall room with one PhoneMail box and ten 60 second messages


HOW DO MESSAGES GET INTO PHONEMAIL?

If you don't answer your telephone within four rings, are on the phone, or are in Do Not Disturb your calls will automatically be directed to your PhoneMail box. Callers will hear the greeting you have set, then a tone, and at that point, they can leave up to a 60 second message.

LEAVING MESSAGES

When you leave a message for someone in their PhoneMail Box, make sure to give a brief description of the reason for your call, instead of just "call me". Leaving the reason will allow the person to call you back prepared to discuss your topic.

RETRIEVING MESSAGES

Once you access PhoneMail, the system will begin speaking. Listen to the prompts and follow the directions exactly.

WHILE IN YOUR OFFICE OR ROOM

  • Enter the PhoneMail system by dialing your PhoneMail direct access number.
  • Press # (enter)
  • Enter password and the # sign (enter).
  • If you have messages, press 3 to listen to them.

NOTE: There are several control features you may use to manipulate messages in your phonemail box.

WHILE NOT IN YOUR OFFICE OR ROOM

  • Enter the PhoneMail system by dialing your PhoneMail direct access number.
  • Enter YOUR extension number and press # (enter).
  • Enter password and the # sign (enter).
  • Press 3 to listen to your messages.

PHONEMAIL HELPLINE - x1919

 

For complete instructions on the features, policies, and utilization of PhoneMail, obtain the Student PhoneMail Guide at the front desk of your residence hall.

**Note: Student PhoneMail Usage Policy: PhoneMail is provided to students living in the residence halls as a convenience. It is intended to be used for legitimate/legal purposes, and the penalties for obscene or harassing telephone calls also apply to PhoneMail messages.

While every effort is made to ensure the security and privacy of the PhoneMail system, no electronic messaging system is infallible. Messages could be lost or accessed due to hardware failure, system maintenance, or security concerns.

Most student PhoneMail boxes are shared between two or more roommates, and thus should not be considered private. Don't share your PhoneMail password with anyone other than your roommate. If you feel that the security of your PhoneMail box has been compromised, please contact Telecommunications IMMEDIATELY at x1919!

DIRECT ACCESS NUMBERS

Direct Access Numbers are needed to enter Drake's phonemail systems.

  • Faculty/Staff - 3891
  • Students - 1818

PHONEMAIL HELP

* Watch the Student PhoneMail Training Video at the beginning of each semester, it is featured on the Drake channel.

* Talk to your RA or Hall Director for on-site assistance.

* Call the Student PhoneMail Helpline at X1919.

ROOM CHANGES

If your roommate moves out of your room during the year, it is your responsibility to change the password for your room's PhoneMail box and inform your new roommate of the correct password.

SECURITY CONCERNS

If you ever receive a PhoneMail message which you feel Security should be made aware:

  • Save the message
  • Contact your Resident Assistant for further instructions.

SYSTEM PROBLEMS / DOWNTIME

It is a good idea to pick up and delete all of your messages frequently. There may be times when unforeseen complications with PhoneMail could necessitate the deletion of all messages.

When the PhoneMail system accepts messages, it changes voices into digital tones. Occasionally, a caller will speak and their voice will match the PhoneMail tone for STOP, and the person will be cut off. They should just try again, as it is unlikely they would "hit" that tone again.

PhoneMail may be inaccessible for any of the following reasons:

  • Downloads and system maintenance every other week for a three hour period.
  • Power failure due to cable cuts, bad weather, etc.
  • Hardware or software failure.
  • PhoneMail is busy

PEAK USAGE TIME

If you call PhoneMail and receive a busy signal, this means the PhoneMail system is currently handling the maximum number of users possible. If the PhoneMail system is busy, your phone would continue to ring until PhoneMail is available.