Navigating campus services is a key part of university life, and for students, faculty, and staff at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), understanding the MTSU Post Office hours and services is essential. Whether you’re sending mail, receiving packages, or need passport services, knowing when the post office is open is your first step. This guide provides you with all the details about the MTSU Post Office, ensuring you never miss a parcel or service again.
MTSU Post Office Hours and Access
Knowing the operating hours is crucial for planning your visits to the MTSU Post Office. Here’s a breakdown of when you can access their services:
Regular Operating Hours
The MTSU Post Office customer service counter is staffed and ready to assist you during the following hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
These hours are consistent for general customer service, including sending mail, picking up packages, and other inquiries. It’s always best to arrive during these hours to ensure you can access all services without any issues.
KUC Building Access
The Post Office is located within the Keathley University Center (KUC). For students needing to access the building outside of post office hours, the KUC is typically unlocked from:
Usually around 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
This extended access allows students to reach the building, especially for those utilizing the parcel locker system. However, parcel pickup at the counter is only available during the post office’s operating hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Holiday Closures
Like most postal services, the MTSU Post Office observes holidays and may have closures. It’s important to be aware of these in advance. For example, as previously announced:
The Post Office will be closed for all services on Wednesday the 19th. (Note: While the specific date is mentioned in the original notice, always check for current announcements regarding holiday or unexpected closures on the official MTSU Post Office website or announcements.)
MTSU Post Office Information and Hours
Essential Mail and Parcel Information for MTSU Students
For MTSU students, managing mail and parcels on campus has specific procedures to ensure smooth delivery and pickup.
Correct Address Format for Parcels
A critical point for students living in dorms is to use the correct address format for receiving parcels. Do not use your dorm address for parcels. Instead, use the following format to ensure your packages reach you efficiently through the MTSU Post Office:
(Your Name)
1301 East Main St
MTSU Box (Your Box #)
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Using this address ensures your parcels are delivered directly to the MTSU Post Office for processing and secure pickup.
Parcel Pickup and Locker System
The MTSU Post Office utilizes a convenient locker system to streamline parcel pickup. Here’s how it works:
- Locker System Notification: When a parcel arrives for you and is placed in a locker, you will receive an email notification.
- Access Code or ID Swipe: The email will contain a unique code to enter into the kiosk located near the lockers. Alternatively, you can swipe your MTSU ID card at the kiosk.
- Locker Access: Upon entering the code or swiping your ID, the system will indicate your assigned locker number, and the designated locker will open. Note that lockers may only open slightly (around 1/4 inch), so check the number carefully from your email or the kiosk display.
- Multiple Parcels: If you have multiple parcels, you will receive separate emails for each. The latest email’s code will open the locker. You may need to swipe your ID or enter codes multiple times to retrieve all your packages.
- Retrieval Timeframe: Parcels are held in lockers for 4 days. If not retrieved within this time, they are moved to the counter for pickup during operating hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
- Locker Location: The blue parcel lockers are situated in the lobby of the KUC, down the hall near the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans Center, along the wall.
During busy periods or when lockers are full, parcels may be held for counter pickup from the start. Always check your notification for specific pickup instructions.
Same-Day Delivery and Prohibited Services
It’s important to understand the limitations regarding same-day delivery services. MTSU Mail Services does not accept items from same-day or independent delivery companies such as:
- Hello Fresh
- Uber Eats
- Door Dash
- Publix
- Target
- Michaels
- Walmart
- Amazon-Whole Foods
If you use these services for food or supplies, it is your responsibility to meet the driver for pickup, ideally at a convenient location like your dorm parking lot. Unattended items sent via these services will not be accepted by Mail Services.
Accepted Delivery Companies
MTSU Mail Services does receive packages from standard delivery companies, including:
- UPS
- USPS
- FedEx
- DHL
- Lasership
- OnTrac
- EnVo
- Amazon (standard delivery)
Ensure your deliveries are routed through these carriers for successful receipt at the MTSU Post Office.
Unattended Parcel Policy
All unattended items left for Mail Services from prohibited same-day delivery services will be removed and either donated or discarded. This policy is in place to manage the high volume of mail and parcels efficiently and to avoid issues with perishable or unwanted items.
Refrigeration Limitations
Please note that refrigeration is not available at the MTSU Post Office. Avoid sending perishable items that require refrigeration through standard mail services to the university post office.
Amazon Parcel Codes
For high-value Amazon parcels, Amazon may provide you with a code for delivery verification. It is crucial that Amazon does not require the Post Office to call you or provide your phone number to them. MTSU Post Office staff cannot provide your phone number to Amazon, and often students do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Parcels requiring a delivery code directly to the student may be returned to sender to avoid delivery complications.
When ordering from Amazon, ensure that delivery is straightforward and does not require phone contact or special codes given directly to the recipient by Amazon, which the Post Office would not have.
Services for Faculty, Staff, and Visitors
MTSU Post Office also provides services for faculty, staff, and university visitors.
Faculty and Staff Counter Hours
For faculty and staff, the customer service counter operates during the same hours as student services:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Faculty and staff can utilize these hours for all mail-related needs, including sending official mail and receiving deliveries.
Distribution Services
MTSU Distribution Services handles initial receipt of parcels from FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Parcels for students are then transferred to the MTSU Post Office for processing and student pickup. For inquiries regarding parcels handled by Distribution Services, faculty and staff can contact Frankie Lopez, Supervisor of Distribution Services, at extension 8200 or 8201.
Parking Information for Visitors
Customers who are not students, staff, or faculty and are visiting the MTSU Post Office can use metered parking spots located at Champion Way and Military Memorial. Parking in the Jones lot is prohibited and will result in a parking ticket. For longer-term parking needs, visitors can purchase a parking placard from Parking Services at 205 City View Dr.
Passport Services
The MTSU Post Office houses a Passport Office in room 101.
- Appointments: Passport appointments can be booked through the passport website (link available on the MTSU Post Office website).
- Walk-up Wednesdays: Limited walk-up passport services are available on Wednesdays for up to 30 applicants (including children). Arrive early to secure a spot in line for Walk-up Wednesday services.
Important Reminders and Policies
Several key policies and reminders help ensure smooth mail services at MTSU.
Forwarding Mail (Spring Semester & Graduation)
- End of Spring Semester: Students leaving campus after the Spring semester should complete the online forwarding form for their mail and parcels via their Pipeline account. For unique situations, contact the Post Office Manager.
- Graduating Students: Spring graduates also need to enter a forwarding address in May via Pipeline to ensure First Class mail and USPS parcels are forwarded correctly.
- Forwarding Limitations: Forwarding is generally limited to First Class Mail and USPS parcels.
Mailbox Rentals for Off-Campus Students
Students living off-campus who wish to receive mail and parcels on campus must rent a mailbox.
- Cost: The rental fee is $12 per semester.
- Payment: Cash and checks are accepted. Payment is per semester, and renewals can be processed with Becky Evans at the Post Office customer counter during operating hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM for mailbox renewals specifically).
- Assigned Box Numbers (On-Campus Fall Students): Students living on campus for the Fall semester are assigned a mailbox number, accessible through their Pipeline account.
Forwarding Limitations and Undeliverable Parcels
Be aware of restrictions on forwarding certain types of parcels:
- USPS Ground Service, Parcel Select, Parcel Lite: While Ground and Parcel Select may be forwarded, if there’s no endorsement, you might receive postage due upon delivery to your forwarding address. Parcel Lite is not forwardable without endorsements and may be recycled by USPS.
- FedEx and UPS Parcels: FedEx and UPS parcels cannot be forwarded and will be returned to sender if a forwarding address is on file.
To manage your mail forwarding, update your personal address information and submit forwarding details through your Pipeline account.
For any further questions or specific situations, contact the MTSU Post Office directly at (615) 898-2459. Knowing the MTSU Post Office hours – Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM – and these detailed guidelines will help you manage your mail and parcel needs effectively while at MTSU.
