Technology

Subscribing and Unsubscribing to a Listserv

Last modified 4/17/2026

Before you can participate in a listserv, you must subscribe to it. When you no longer want to receive listserv emails, you must unsubscribe from it. These processes can be completed through the Listserv web interface or via email.

Important

All Listserv subscription settings, by default, are set to By Owner. This means that all subscription requests are sent to the owner(s) for approval. This setting is strongly recommended by the University to help reduce the amount of spam received and improve the University's overall email security. 

How to Subscribe to a Listserv

  • Option 1: Using Email (Direct Request)

This method is recommended for improved security and university email integrity.

  • Contact the Owner: If you know the owner of the list, you can reach out to them directly to have them subscribe you to the list.
  • Email the ListServ directly: If you do not know the list owner, you can submit a request to join by emailing Listserv@listserv.ilstu.edu.
    • Leave the subject line blank.
    • In the body of the email, type: SUBSCRIBE LISTNAME (for example: SUBSCRIBE REGGIEREDBIRD-L).
  • A request will automatically be sent to the list owner for approval.

  • Option 2: Using the ListServ Web Interface

  1. After navigating to Listserv at https://listserv.ilstu.edu/, click on the Subscribe button subscribe button
  2. Click on the Arrow next to the ISU logo to expand the list of tabs.
  3. Click on Search Archives to get to the Search Page (Figure 1)

    Figure 1:
    search archives option to subscribe
  4. Select the Related Listserv from the given list of options (the page will refresh to reflect the list that has been selected) (Figure 2)
    Figure 2:
    Related ListServ option
  5. Next, click the three slashes symbol next to the list name (along the right side of the interface) and then click Subscriptions (Figure 3)
    This will load a screen with fields used for entering an email address and their name.

    Figure 3:
    Arrows showing the three dash menu, Subscriber or Unsubscribe option within the ListServ options
  6. Click Subscribe/OK.



How to Unsubscribe from a Listserv

  • Option 1: Using the ListServ Web Interface

  1. Go to https://listserv.ilstu.edu/ and sign in with your Illinois State email address and password.
  2. Expand the List Management tab.
  3. Scroll through the list and locate the listserv you wish to unsubscribe from.
  4. To unsubscribe yourself from the listserv, click the associated tan-colored button with people on it unsubscribe
  5. You will be brought to a Subscribe or Unsubscribe page for the listserv. Enter your e-mail address and name and click Unsubscribe.

You may receive an email message confirming your removal from the listserv. If you receive a confirmation email, read it carefully and follow its instructions. These confirmation instructions (if any) vary from listserv to listserv.


  • Option 2: Using Email (Direct Request)

  • Contact the Owner: The list owner can manually remove you from the list upon request
  • Email the ListServ directly: You can unsubscribe by sending an email to listserv@listserv.ilstu.edu
    • Leave the subject line blank.
    • In the body of the email, type: UNSUBSCRIBE LISTNAME (For example: UNSUBSCRIBE REGGIEREDBIRD-L).


How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:

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