By: Olivia Krauth

On Nov. 7, a programming error caused about 23,000 emails to be accidentally sent to people who were once in the U of L admissions database. At least five of those emails were to current applicants who were not admitted to the university, but had not found out yet.

According to Director of Admissions Jenny Sawyer, the emails were about taking the “next steps in the admissions process.” Many of the emails consisted of activating Cardmail, confirming orientation or finishing a transfer application.

“The backlash has been kind of interesting,” said Sawyer.  “(On Nov. 7) we received about a 100 calls and emails from current students, even some alums, who were confused and wanted to report the incident.”

After the initial emails were sent, U of L sent a retraction notice to those involved. Sawyer believes that all affected students have been reached, but there is a chance that some didn’t receive the notice.

Sawyer said that typically applicants receive emails weekly from the University. The “I’m In! Now what?” email that encourages students to set up their Cardmail account tends to reach students about a week after paper acceptances are mailed out.