University Computer Help Desk

Setting up Exchange Calendar Only

This article outlines the steps for setting up Exchange Calendar Only.

The Exchange Calendar Only option means you will use Exchange for calendar, but not for email. This option implies the following:

  • Exchange Calendar - You will use an Exchange client like Outlook to access your calendar. You can also access your Exchange calendar through Outlook Web App (OWA) at https://owa.illinoisstate.edu/ and on a mobile device like an iPhone. A complete list of supported Exchange clients is shown below.
  • IMAP Email - You will connect to the IMAP mail server for your email. You can use iCampus, RedbirdMail, Thunderbird, or whichever IMAP mail client you prefer. In fact, you can use Outlook to access your IMAP mail, as well as your Exchange calendar if you wish.

If you are interested in Full Exchange, which means you will use Exchange for both calendar and email, refer to 1242: Setting up Full Exchange.

Consult with Your Local Support Staff

The first thing you should do is contact your department's technical support staff. Your department or college may have already determined the best option (i.e. Exchange Calendar Only or Full Exchange) for your area.

Request an Exchange Account

If you do not yet have access to Exchange, you can request an Exchange account using the Support & Requests section of the Help Desk website.

Connecting to Exchange

You have several options for connecting to Exchange. You can use OWA exclusively if you wish, or you can use an Exchange client like Outlook or iCal. You can also connect using a mobile device like an iPhone. As mentioned above, you should discuss these options with your department's technical support staff.

Consider Using OWA

Outlook Web App (OWA) at https://owa.illinoisstate.edu/ offers the same core features available in Outlook and works in Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and other modern browsers on both Windows and Mac OS X.

You should consider using OWA to access your Exchange calendar and email, rather than an Exchange client like Outlook. OWA works equally well on Windows and Mac OS X.

Exchange on Windows

For instructions on configuring your Exchange client on Windows, refer to the following:

Exchange on Mac OS X

For instructions on configuring your Exchange client on Mac OS X, refer to the following:

Exchange on Mobile Devices

You can also connect to Exchange using a mobile device. The following mobile devices are supported by the Help Desk:

Set up Exchange "Calendar only" Rule

You should import the University's calendar-only server-side rule. This rule helps keep your Exchange Inbox tidy so it contains only meeting-related email.