ACUMS

Association of College and University Mail Services

The Association of College and University Mail Services (ACUMS) is an organization comprised of mail managers from colleges and universities primarily from the northeast region of the country but open to any college or university. ACUMS was formed in 1978 by a group of mail managers who were looking for assistance from the Postal Service on specific rules and regulations. They also needed to develop a more sophisticated way of processing mail that would fit the guidelines set forth by the Postal Service. Once ACUMS was formed, these managers took the responsibility of teaching and learning upon themselves. They developed goals for their newly formed organization some of which included sharing common ideas, techniques, and different methods of managing mail centers.

Today, ACUMS continues to adhere to its original goals and ideals. Since 1978, ACUMS has grown from the original 16 member institutions to its current 131 members covering a geographical area from Maine to Utah. Our growth has allowed the pool of knowledge to expand to meet our ever changing work environment and we continue to seek new member institutions. We are proud of our organization for many reasons: The most important of these are that we enhance each other’s abilities, offer a much needed support forum, and provide an educational opportunity not available elsewhere. Ours is truly a unique industry, and networking with other managers helps us deal with common challenges and concerns.

The past few years have been challenging times for managers in the college and university mailing industry. Most recently, shifting mail volumes and the onslaught of Parcels has greatly affected the way in which all of us process mail. The trend to combine print and mail operations continues and adds new challenges. Technology changes rapidly, corporate communications are advancing, and the need to cut operating costs are just some of the issues confronting managers every day. It is because of these challenges that regional organizations such as ACUMS are so vitally important. At ACUMS, members share information so that all our members can achieve success.

ACUMS holds two annual conferences each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall. These conferences are hosted by different member institutions guaranteeing a unique conference each and every time. Each conference covers 2 days. The first day is dedicated to the organization’s business meeting with the evening held aside for dinner, awards and, most importantly, a chance to network with our peers in a relaxed social environment. On the 2nd day of the conference there is an instructional presentation. Speakers are invited to address the main issues of concern effecting our unique industry at that particular time. It is safe to say that no one leaves these conferences without having achieved some benefit, whether it be technical assistance or just simple moral support.