Overview

Delivery and collection schedules are set by Mail Services based on building locations and mail volume. There are five mail routes which are delivered daily between 8:00 am and 10:30 am. 

Our carriers do not collect or deliver mail to unauthorized areas. Changes to a delivery or pick-up location must first be authorized by Mail Services. Requests for a new stop, or changes to an existing stop, can be requested by completing and submitting the New Mail Stop & New Delivery Location Form.

To facilitate service, all departments should establish a standard location for mail delivery and pick-up, providing three labeled boxes for:

• incoming mail
• off-campus (outgoing) mail
• campus mail

Your off-campus mail will be processed more quickly if it is separated or bundled by group, as follows:

• Stamped
• To Be Metered
• International
• Special Services by USPS

UCSB's U.S. Mail is picked up every morning at approximately 7:45 am from the Goleta Processing and Distribution Center. It is then processed and delivered to each designated department collection point the following morning. The use of mail codes helps ensure the most efficient mail sorting and delivery possible.

Central Receiving handles distribution of incoming U.S. Mail parcels and outbound UPS packages only. Central Receiving can be reached at (805) 893-2878 or ignacio.astorga@ucsb.edu.

All outbound U.S. Mail is metered daily and picked up through the U.S. Postal Service at 4:15 pm. Outbound campus mail is for business related purposes of UCSB only.

Note: No personal mail is to be handled by the Mail Services staff, even outbound personal mail already with postage affixed.

U.S. Postal Services Rates

Below are the guidelines from the Homeland Security Office on handling suspicious mail and packages:

Handling Suspicious Mail

• Examine unopened envelopes and packages and look for suspicious features.
• Handle incoming mail in a designated separate area from work station(s).
• Wash your hands after mail is opened.
• Restrict mailroom access to authorized persons.

Receiving Suspect Packages

• Remain calm.
• Do not open the package or letter.
• Do not shake or empty the contents of a suspicious package or envelope.
• Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
• Put the package or envelope on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or any contents that may have spilled.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or other body parts.
• Shut off window air conditioning units and fans.
• Isolate the package and secure the room by shutting all doors and windows.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
• Report to supervisor and call 911.
• Advise fellow co-workers to avoid the area.
• Don't leave the area until told to by responding officers.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the letter wash their hands with soap and water.
• Make a list of all persons who touched the letter or package and who were in the area when the letter was opened.
• After examination of package, shower with soap and water.

Features of Suspect Mail

• Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage
• No return address or fictitious return address
• Improper spelling of names, titles or locations
• Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries
• Suspicious or threatening messages written on packages
• Postmark with different location than return address
• Distorted handwriting or cut-and-paste lettering
• Unprofessionally wrapped packages or excessive use of tape, strings, or other wrapping
• Packages marked "Fragile: Handle with Care," "Rush: Do Not Delay," "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided packages
• Packages discolored, oily or with an unusual odor
• Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil