Setting Up Shared Mailboxes

Overview

This article explains how to access a shared email mailbox (such as a department or project mailbox) using MavMAIL (web) or Outlook.

Note: You must be granted access to the shared mailbox before completing these steps. To request access, ask a supervisor or current mailbox owner to submit a request to the IT Solutions Center.

How-To

Access a Shared Mailbox in MavMAIL (Web)

Method 1: Open Mailbox in a New Tab (Recommended) 

This method opens the shared mailbox in a separate tab. Emails sent from this view will come directly from the shared mailbox.

  1. Go to mavmail.mnsu.edu.
  2. Sign in using your StarID email address and password:
    • Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
    • Faculty and staff: StarID@minnstate.edu
  3. In the top-right corner, select your profile icon (initials or photo).
  4. Select Open another mailbox.
  5. Enter the name of the shared mailbox.
  6. Select Open.

A new browser tab will open with the shared mailbox.

To exit, close the tab.

Method 2: Add as a Folder

This method adds the shared mailbox to your folder list for ongoing access.

  1. Go to mavmail.mnsu.edu and sign in.
  2. In the left navigation pane, right-click Folders.
  3. Select Add shared folder.
  4. Enter the shared mailbox name.
  5. Select Add.

Notes:

  • Mailboxes typically follow this format: mnsu-mailboxname
  • You can only open mailboxes you have permission to access

Outlook (Windows)

Manually Add a Shared Mailbox

Use this method if the mailbox does not appear automatically.

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. Select File.
  3. Select Account Settings, then select Account Settings again.
  4. Double-click your email account.
  5. Select More Settings.
  6. Select the Advanced tab.
  7. Under Mailboxes, select Add.
  8. Enter the shared mailbox name (for example: mnsu-testing).
  9. Select OK, then complete the prompts.
  10. Select Close.

The shared mailbox will appear in the left navigation pane if you have access.

Outlook (Mac)

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. In the top menu, select Outlook, then select Preferences.
  3. Select Accounts.
  4. Select the + button, then select New Account.
  5. Enter the shared mailbox email address and select Continue.
  6. When prompted, close the initial sign-in window.
  7. Select Not Office365?
  8. Enter the following:
    • Email address: Shared mailbox email
    • Username: Your StarID email
    • Password: Your StarID password
  9. Select Add Account.
  10. When prompted, select Allow, then complete sign-in.
  11. Select Done.

Outcome

After completing these steps, you will be able to:

  • Access the shared mailbox
  • View and manage messages
  • Send email from the shared mailbox (if permissions allow)

Still Need Help?

Visit the IT Solutions Center page to view current hours, locations, and contact information.

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