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UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Remote Email]


UBC Mathematics: MathNet FAQ [Remote Email]


Question: How do I read my MathNet Email?
Author: Joseph Tam
Date: 2023-10-17

Although related to reading Email, sending mail is a separate and distinct service with its own set of configurations. However, some of the mail reader caveats (see below) may be relevant.

Here are the methods to read our mail:

  1. Browser access:

    1. https://webmail.math.ubc.ca/
    2. https://mymail.math.ubc.ca/ (better for smartphones)

  2. Mail reader applications

    Mail reading applications, such as Mail (MacOSX), Outlook, Thunderbird, smartphone mail apps, and command line mail readers can be configured to access mail remotely via one of two protocols:

    1. IMAP: the preferred protocol. IMAP will support access to your INBOX, as well the collection of your personal mailboxes.

      • Protocol: IMAP
      • Incoming server: imap.math.ubc.ca
      • Port: use one of ...
        • (Preferred) SSL: 993/tcp
        • STARTTLS: 143/tcp
      • Mail prefix: (empty)
    2. POP3: used by older mail readers. Only your INBOX is accessible; other personal mail folders will not be available.

      • Protocol: POP3
      • Incoming mail server: pop.math.ubc.ca
      • Port: use one of ...
        • (Preferred) SSL: 995/tcp
        • STARTTLS: 110/tcp

    The username should not contain the domain @math.ubc.ca. Some mail readers may try to guess the correct settings using your just Email address; it rarely works well. If possible, use manual or advanced configuration to set these values.

    Caveats for specific mail readers:

    • Thunderbird: enable "Server supports folders that contain sub-folders and messages." found in the IMAP settings menu: Tool / Account Settings / Server Settings / Advanced ...
    • MacOSX/iOS: disable "Automatic manage connections".
    • Outlook (Windows): later versions of Outlook will not allow setting the username wihtout a domain: it conflates these 2 values. In order to set the values above, you need to start Outlook in new profile mode by invoking this commend in a Run window (Windows-R keypress or right-click Start Menu => Run): 
      outlook.exe /PIM NoEmail

  3. Command-line mail reader

    If you can connect via ssh to our public unix hosts (e.g. pascal.math.ubc.ca), you can use a command line mail reader (e.g. pine, elm, mutt). Ssh clients may already be installed on your system.

  4. Mail forwarding

    You can forward your messages to another Email address. See

    How do I forward Email to another Email address?