Customer Support Ruling

Alumni Records – Computer Generated
July 2005

PS-154 (233.2.3)

This Customer Support Ruling determines whether a computer-generated “alumni record” is considered “personal information” and mailable only at First-Class Mail or Express Mail rates.

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 (or Express Mail). 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 or Express Mail rates of postage pursuant to the provisions of the above regulations.

*See also DMM 333.2 and 433.2.

(Signed)
Sherry Suggs
Manager
Mailing Standards
United States Postal Service
Washington DC 20260-3436