Outlook Quick Tip

Set Up Vacation (Out-of-the-Office) Messages

Get ready for the university’s Winter Closure or any other vacation you have planned:

  1. Tell everyone you’re gone using Outlook’s Out-of-Office Assistant.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Out-of-Office Assistant; check “I am currently Out of the Office,” and type a message to send while you’re out. For example, you might type: "I am attending a seminar today (Wednesday, Nov. 17). I will read and respond to your message tomorrow."
  3. Block off the dates you will be gone on your Outlook Calendar, so those who are allowed to view it will see that you’re not available for meetings.
  4. Decline/cancel any standing meetings.
  5. Change your outgoing voice-mail message.
  6. Don’t leave your cell phone number on your whiteboard.
  7. Turn off your computer.
  8. Turn off the lights!