Customer Support Ruling

Alumni Records - Computer Generated

UPDATED June 2014

PS-154 (233.2.3)

This CSR determines whether a computer-generated “alumni record” is considered “personal information” and mailable only at First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express prices.

This ruling pertains to the classification of computer generated alumni records of a state university.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 233.2.3*, prescribes that matter containing personal information must be mailed as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express. Personal information is any information specific to the addressee.

Each of the computer generated alumni records in question contains the alumnus' address, home and business telephone numbers, the names of the campuses attended at the state university, dates degrees were granted, business position, birth date, marital status, state university student activities, other universities attended, and spouse’s full name. This alumni record is designed and maintained as a profile for over 200,000 alumni.  It contains personal information and is, therefore, subject to the First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express Mail prices pursuant to the provisions of the above regulations.

*See also DMM 133.3.3.

Sherry Suggs

Manager

Mailing Standards

Headquarters, US Postal Service

Washington, DC  20260-3436