As of Monday, October 20, packages in the lockers and the mailroom will be held for 10 days before being returned to the sender. This change reviews a policy introduced earlier this month that required students to pick up packages within 48 hours.
The mailroom originally implemented the 48-hour policy to help students receive their mail more quickly. Now, packages that are not claimed within the new 10-day period will now expire and be returned to the sender. However, letters and other paper mail will continue to be held for 30 days before being returned.
Students who are unable to pick up theory packages within the designated time or have questions are encouraged to contact the mail room at mailroom@fairfield.edu.
According to Paul Donahue, manager of the mailroom, the policy shift reflects the practical workflow of the mailroom. “Removing packages from the lockers and putting them on a shelf in the back takes more time and effort than allowing them to stay in the lockers for a few days,” Donahue explained.
Donahue added that the mailroom is exploring ways to notify students before their packages expire, offering a final reminder.
Eileen Russell, a current junior, views the change positively. “I was scared of the 48-hour policy, because I had some packages come while I was home for fall break,”. Russell said. She explained that even after receiving emails that her package had expired, her packages were still waiting in the lockers when she returned.
The updated policy aims to balance efficiency and flexibility, giving students more time to retrieve their packages while easing the workload for the mailroom staff.
