SPF & DKIM Record Setup for Slate

Overview

In February 2024, Google and Yahoo began enforcing new email requirements for bulk senders. These changes aim to improve security, reduce spam, and enhance user experience. In order to ensure your emails your emails meet these requirements, configure Slate with SPF and DKIM authentication.

Each setup is slightly different, so complete the DNS setup as directed under  "DKIM Configuration" in the Slate database and then hit the "Validate Configuration" link. See the official Slate documentation on DKIM authentication if you want learn more.

Note: This assumes you are already using SPF and DKIM. If not, we strongly advise setting both up across all your email services. You'll have to weigh the pros: improved deliverability and inboxing of your personal/campus, transactional and marketing messages; protection from SPAM and phishing attacks. Versus the con: the effort to discover and align all your email sending services under authentication.  Setting up DMARC reporting will you ascertain who is sending emails on your school's behalf. Ask your Waybetter account manager if you need help getting started.

Directions

1. In Slate: Database > DKIM Configuration

2. Enter your email domain and click lookup. Your email domains is typically school.edu, but could be something like apply.school.edu

3. First time DKIM setup

   1. Click Create Configuration

   2. In the small pop-up window, the default dialog will default to "slate-mx". Click Save.

4. Your Status will be Inactive / Awaiting Validation

5. Share the DNS Record configuration with your IT department. They will need to make DNS updates. The typical Slate email records look something like this:

slate-mx.SCHOOL.edu  IN CNAME sg.technolutions.net.
slt._domainkey.SCHOOL.edu IN CNAME slt._domainkey.technolutions.net.
slt2._domainkey.SCHOOOL.edu IN CNAME slt2._domainkey.technolutions.net.

6. Once IT confirms the changes are in place, return to Database > DKIM Configuration

7. Click "Validate Configuration"

8. Your Status will be Active