Email Sending Limits at SFA

Email Sending Limits at SFA

Quick Overview
  • Explains SFA’s email sending limits for employees and students
  • Describes why limits are necessary to protect email delivery and security
  • Clarifies what happens when a limit is reached
  • Provides guidance for users who need to send high-volume email

To protect Stephen F. Austin State University’s email systems and ensure reliable message delivery, sending limits are applied to all university email accounts. These limits help prevent spam, phishing, and account abuse while maintaining SFA’s reputation with external email providers.

Email Sending Limits

The following limits apply within a rolling 24-hour period:

  • Employees: Up to 500 recipients per 24 hours
  • Students: Up to 200 recipients per 24 hours

These limits apply to total recipients, including messages sent to multiple people using To, Cc, or Bcc.

!
Important
Hitting the sending limit may temporarily prevent additional emails from being sent until the 24-hour window resets.

Why Email Sending Limits Are in Place

Email sending limits are a standard security and operational control used across higher education and industry. At SFA, these limits help:

  • Reduce the risk of compromised accounts being used to send spam or phishing emails
  • Protect SFA’s email reputation with external providers (such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo)
  • Prevent large-scale accidental mailings caused by misconfigured distribution lists or replies
  • Ensure fair and reliable email service for all users
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Tip
These limits protect your account as much as they protect the university. Rapid, high-volume sending is a common indicator of account compromise.

Sending Messages to Large Groups

If you need to communicate with a large audience (such as campus announcements, departmental communications, or student outreach), email sending limits may not be the best tool for the job.

  • Use approved mailing lists or distribution groups
  • Work with University Marketing & Communications for mass messaging
  • Contact IT Services to discuss appropriate alternatives

Need Help?

Contact the IT Help Desk at (936) 468-4357 (HELP).
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