Email at Otis FAQ

Otis email accounts are the official communication vehicle at Otis. Please check your email often. Read the Policy.

I am a student. How do I log into my Otis e-mail account?
Use your Xnumber and password for your e-mail credentials. (This password may be the same as your PIN). If you do not know your e-mail password, please go to Academic Computing or contact the Information Systems Helpdesk at (310) 665-6914.

email login screen
Login screen for webmail with Xnumber (for students). For more help, please refer to the Usernames and Passwords FAQ.

I am faculty or staff. How do I log into my Otis e-mail account?
Use your e-mail name and your e-mail password for you e-mail credentials. This password is not the same as your Xnumber password. If you do not know your e-mail password, please contact the Information Systems Helpdesk at (310) 665-6914. For more help, please refer to the Usernames and Passwords FAQ.

What browser(s) can I use to access Otis Webmail?
You can use any browser, including Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer, to access your e-mail. To take full advantage of Otis Webmail, you need to use Internet Explorer on a computer running Windows.

Note for iPhone and iPad users: If you have added your Otis email account as a Mail account on an Apple OS device, it will display email messages in the search results. To search your mailbox over an entire semester, change the "Mail Days to Sync" option to "No Limit."

Can I forward my Otis email?
For various security-related reasons, no email forwarding is allowed.

How do I set up a signature for my Otis email?
It's easy whether you are using Outlook on a PC or Entourage on a Mac.

I am staff. How do I set up an Out of Office reply?
To turn on and off an Out of Office reply via webmail, log into webmail.otis.edu. Click on the Options button in the left-hand menu. The Out of Office Assistant appears at the top of the page.

To turn it on, click on the option for "I'm currently out of the office." Then enter the text of the message, including the date when you will be back in the office. Finally, click on the Save and Close button.
To turn it off, click on the option for "I'm currently in the office." Then click on the Save and Close button.

To set rules to be followed only when you are out of the office, use the Options in your desktop version of Microsoft Outlook.

I use Microsoft Outlook on a PC. How can I set it up for my Otis webmail?
Please contact the IS Department.

I use Microsoft Entourage on a Mac. How can I set it up for my Otis webmail?
Here are the directions.

I use a smart phone. How can I set it up for my Otis webmail?
Here are the directions for Apple OS, Android and WebOS/Palm devices.

Notes for iPhone and iPad users: Setting this up can be tricky. First, you will get an error message during the process. One of the necessary fields does not appear on the initial configuration screen.
Second, immediately change the account settings. By default, the device will only keep 3 days of mail. Change the "Mail Days to Sync" option to something longer, e.g. 1 week or No Limit.

Which Client option should I use?
The Client option only appears when you are using Internet Explorer on a PC running Windows. Premium. Basic. Use this option when you have a fast connection AND you need to organize your e-mail, schedule a meeting with the Outlook Calendar, etc. Note that the Log Off button is on the upper right-hand corner. Use this option when you have a slow connection AND you only need to read your e-mail. Several options, including the Rules button, are not available. Note that the Log Off button is at the bottom of the left-hand menu. small screenshot of premium client screen, with log out button encircled in red; links to larger version small screenshot of basic client window, log out button encircled in red; links to larger version

Which Security option should I use?
In general, use the "Public or shared computer" option. To view Otis' security policies, click here.

What about attachments that won't open?

Where can I go for more help with Otis Webmail?
Please contact the Information Systems Helpdesk. On campus: x6914. Off campus: (310) 665-6914.