Background
The two years ago, the campus began exploring alternatives to the current Web email program with the goal being to find an email option for students that would provide a rich set of features. After reviewing a number of possible email alternatives, the decision was made to take a closer look at Google's Gmail. As a result, the campus provided the opportunity for a group of students to help determine if Gmail is the right choice for UC Davis. Roughly 300 graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of class standings, colleges and majors participated in the pilot. Students were randomly selected through the campus computing accounts database and were asked to complete two surveys about their experience using the service. Based on the endorsements and/or support from ASUCD, Alumni Relations, development officers in academic departments, the 300+ students who participated in the pilot and the broader community through the vetting process pursuant to PPM 200-45, the campus released a final recommendation in July to roll out Gmail during the fall 2008 quarter.