More than 8,000 users have logged on to MetroConnect since the portal made its debut last Monday. While users are pleased with the ability to access their applications through a single log-in, some faculty members have expressed concern with MetroConnect's web-based e-mail system.

"The other aspects of the portal are okay, but it appears that in trying to integrate everything into the portal we've lost important features," said computer science professor Noel LeJeune said.

Among the chief concerns with the new e-mail system are limited flexibility in viewing and composing messages, the inability to sort messages by name, subject or date and difficulty in using and accessing the address book.

Director of IT Yvonne Flood acknowledged the concerns. "We have lost some functionality with this e-mail but we have gained numerous other benefits," she said.

Flood added that a software upgrade that offers improved e-mail sort capabilities will be available and installed during the fall semester.

Flood cited two important benefits of the MetroConnect e-mail system: All students have access to college e-mail and information and users can access their e-mail - including address books and sent messages - from any computer. The e-mail also allows messages from certain senders to be easily blocked, so junk e-mail can be greatly reduced.

"The My Courses option is one of the most significant benefits overall benefits of MetroConnect," she added.

Through the My Courses tab (for students and faculty) on the front page of the portal, faculty can easily communicate with their students in several ways. Links to the instructor's home page as well as links to other information sources, such as the course syllabus, can easily be added. Instructors have immediate access to an e-mail list of students enrolled. The list is updated every 60 seconds, so if a student drops a class, he or she drops off the e-mail list.

"My Courses allows professors to help their students stay organized and on top of their coursework," said Sandra Haynes, associate dean of the School of Professional Studies.

Lisa Colvin, chair of the Department of Human Performance Sport and Leisure, is already using the My Courses feature with her "Comparative Fitness" class. "It's a huge time saver. I can push one button and have an e-mail delivered to my entire class. I don't have to create distribution lists because the lists are all right there," she said. Students are equally pleased, Colvin added. "I've had very positive feedback from my students. They see it as a good, usable tool."

Flood said additional information about My Courses will be distributed later this week, adding that "We do encourage feedback and we will take all comments into consideration." To submit a comment, go to http://www.mscd.edu/metroconnect/faq/#yourquestion

Flood also encourages users to take advantage of MetroConnect training sessions. To sign up, go to: https://www.mscd.edu:9091/trainreg/. Users may sign-up for a training session by clicking on the Search by Course button and highlighting any one of the four MetroConnect courses. To register for training, you must be employed by Metro State and know your Banner user ID and PIN.

Also, watch the MetroConnect main page under for additional tips on using MetroConnect.