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UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Remote Email]



UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Remote Email]



Question: How do I read my MathNet Email?
Author: Joseph Tam
Date: 2023-10-17

Although related to reading Email, sending mail is a separate and distinct service with its own set of configurations. However, some of the mail reader caveats (see below) may be relevant.

Here are the methods to read our mail:

  1. Browser access:

    1. https://webmail.math.ubc.ca/
    2. https://mymail.math.ubc.ca/ (better for smartphones)
  2. Mail reader applications

    Mail reading applications, such as Mail (MacOSX), Outlook, Thunderbird and command line mail readers can be configured to access mail remotely via one of two protocols:

    1. IMAP: the preferred protocol. IMAP will support access to your INBOX, as well as a collection of personal mailboxes.
      • Protocol: IMAP
      • Incoming server: imap.math.ubc.ca
      • Port: use one of ...
        • (Preferred: SSL) 993
        • (STARTTLS) 143
      • Mail prefix: (empty)
    2. POP3: protocol used by older mail readers. Only your remote INBOX is accessible. Any local mail folders you store messages into in will not be available from other than the mail reader.
      • Protocol: POP3
      • Incoming mail server: pop.math.ubc.ca
      • Port: use one of ...
        • (Preferred: SSL) 995
        • (STARTTLS) 110

    Username: for either remote mail protocol, you'll need to supply your username and password. The username should not contain the domain @math.ubc.ca. Some mail readers may try to guess the correct settings using your just Email address; it rarely works well. Use the manual or advanced configuration method if possible.

    Caveats for specific mail readers:

    • Thunderbird: disable "Server supports folders that contain sub-folders and messages." found in the IMAP settings menu: Tool / Account Settings / Server Settings / Advanced ...
    • MacOSX/iOS: disable "Automatic manage connections".
    • Outlook (Windows): later versions of Outlook will not allow setting the username wihtout a domain: it conflates these 2 values. In order to set the values above, you need to start Outlook in new profile mode by invoking this commend in a Run window (Windows-R keypress or right-click Start Menu => Run):
      outlook.exe /PIM NoEmail
  3. Command-line mail reader

    If you can connect via ssh to our public unix hosts (e.g. pascal.math.ubc.ca), you can use a command line mail reader (e.g. pine, elm). Ssh clients may already be installed on your system.

  4. Mail forwarding

    You can forward your messages to another Email address. See

    How do I forward Email to another Email address?