BCI provides a convenient, simple method of correcting and updating existing email addresses on your alumni database. The process is called ECOA (Email Change of Address) and works much like NCOA Link (USPS National Change of Address), however there is one major difference.

ECOA service allows your alum to control who gets access to their changed email address, so there's no need to be concerned whether your emails might be considered an intrusion to their privacy. On the other hand, your alum has virtually no control over the U.S. Postal System's mail forwarding services -- nor the ability to filter who should have access to their mailbox  if a Change of Address card has been filed.    

Getting Started

The ECOA process begins by posting a file containing individuals' full name, street address, city, state and zip -- along with their email address to BCI's secure FTP site. As an option, send only records that have bounced, or you suspect may bounce, from your recent efforts to deliver. The data you submit will be maintained in absolute strict confidence throughout the course of the project and used exclusively for the purpose intended -- to update your file with any recent changes of your alums' email address. New email addresses will be appended to your file and returned to you after consent from your alumni is assured.

Pushing the Envelope

Once the new email addresses are secured, BCI will transmit a branded email permission letter, which we'll help you create, to every alum who's matched with a new/changed email address. However, the new email addresses for these recipients, ultimately, will be provided to you only if the alum has granted you permission to have it. An opt-out clause is clearly included with the message. Fortunately, very few opt-out, so the net result is a restored list of fresh email addresses that are sent to you for immediate use in your next email broadcast.

And to think you'de lost them forever.