Incoming Mail

All US Mail and packages go through Postal and Parcel Services with the exception of residence hall mail.

Mail Pick-up Locations

Mail and packages will be delivered to a specific location in your building. Refer to FPM's Building Information to find your building's mailing location and delivery time.


Mail Forwarding

Incoming mail will be delivered to the address on the mail piece. It is the responsibility of the receiving office to contact the recipient if they no longer work in that office or refuse a package delivery.


Postage Due

Postage due consists of incoming mail that does not have sufficient postage on it. Postal and Parcel Services automatically charges the recipient's worktag (P-number) on file. A slip noting the charges, billed P-number, and the mail piece are delivered to the recipient. In the event the charges should be billed to a different account, please contact Postal and Parcel Services for revision.

Postage due charges and the mail piece can be refused within a reasonable time limit. If refused, the mail piece is returned to the sender unopened and you are not charged.


Suspicious Mail

The concern of Federal law enforcement officials for terrorist activities includes the possible use of letters and packages as a delivery vehicle. It is important for you to know the safeguards that are in place.

Mail destined for Iowa State University is screened a number of times before final delivery. Postal and Parcel inspects mail for suspicious appearance, and may forward suspicious mail to the Department of Public Safety or the U.S. Postal Service for further inspection.

U.S. mail sent with a permit imprint or mail processed through a commercial mailing machine is traceable back to the point of origin of the permit holder or the commercial processing unit. The U.S. Postal Service believes it is unlikely that permit imprint or commercial mailing machine mail would be used as a delivery vehicle for terrorist activities.

If you receive suspicious mail including mail with a light coating of powdery substance:

If you have handled or opened the suspicious mail, you should IMMEDIATELY:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water and notify all persons who handled the mail to wash their hands with soap and water
  • Put on nitrile or rubber gloves before handling the suspicious item again
  • Isolate the item by double-baggin the mail in resealable or Ziplock-type plastic bags
  • Wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water immediately after removing your gloves
  • Blow your nose and leave the tissue with the package
  • Notify your immediate supervisor
  • Notify the ISU Department of Public Safety at 294-4428
  • Make a list of all persons who touched the letter or package, including contact information and telephone numbers
  • Forward the list of persons who touched the mail to the ISU Department of Public Safety