New Campus Resident Portal for mail and package management
From: Virginia Tech Mail Services
Mail Services is launching the new Campus Resident Portal, designed to enhance the tracking and management of mail and packages for on-campus residents. This new system provides real-time updates, helping to eliminate any uncertainty about the status of your items as they move through the delivery process.
Why the new portal system?
The new Campus Resident Portal has been implemented to streamline the process of managing your mail and packages. When accessing the system, you will be asked to enter your Virginia Tech PID and password. This system offers a range of functions designed to make your life easier:
View Your Packages: Gain instant access to a list of your processed packages, including their pickup availability, location, tracking number, type, and arrival condition.
Submit a Standard Package Form: Simplify the processing of regular packages by linking them to your account before they arrive by entering your tracking number.
Submit a High Priority Package Form: Simplify the processing of high-priority packages, like medications and important documents, by linking them to your account before they arrive.
Submit an Alternate Recipient Form: Designate someone to pick up your package on your behalf.
How to Address Student Mail and Packages: Use this function to find your residence hall and the correct address for your mail and packages to prevent them from being returned to sender.
Tracking and address accuracy
To avoid having packages returned to sender, it is crucial to use the correct address format, which can be checked in the portal. Untracked letter mail is nearly impossible to recover if lost. Therefore, it is recommended to add tracking for important items and insurance for valuable ones. For perishables, it is advisable to use UPS or FedEx, as these carriers offer refrigeration for identifiable items, unlike USPS.
Package processing and pickup
Mail and packages from carriers including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL arrive Monday through Friday. Items with tracking numbers are scanned upon unloading, confirming arrival, and updating the Campus Resident Portal. Packages are processed using the recipient's first and last name, dorm address, and room number, and made available for pickup at Owens or in package lockers as volume allows. Processing and making packages available for pickup typically takes 1-2 working days. However, delays can be expected during peak times, such as the beginning of each semester. Priority and Next-Day shipping packages are handled as quickly as possible, considering the high volume of daily arrivals. Incomplete recipient or address information will result in the package being returned to the sender.
Pickup notifications and procedures
Packages are scanned at Owens Mailroom and the lockers upon arrival. Pickup emails are automatically sent and include full details. Students must present their Hokie Passport to claim their packages or use the code included in their pickup email for lockers. Packages are available for seven days from the time of notification. Unclaimed packages are returned to the sender after seven days. USPS letter mail is processed similarly to packages and is only available for pickup at the Owens Mailroom.
For more information and to access the new Campus Resident Portal, please visit the Student Packages and Mail page on the Mail Services website. If you have any questions, you can email studentpackage@vt.edu.