Mailing address
The mailing address is used by the Post Office and Mail Services to deliver mail to the intended recipient. Since all Calvin University mail comes through Mail Services, it can all be addressed to the "official" Calvin University mailing address.
Although there are several acceptable mailing address formats for Calvin University recipients, this is the one we prefer:
Recipient's Name
Department name (or Res.Hall/Apt. name & room #)
Calvin University
3201 Burton St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4388
Physical address
The physical address, which is the building number and street address, is used by 911 emergency responders and GPS navigators to actually drive up to a specific building.
Each Calvin University building does have a physical address.
Why not address mail to the physical address?
The physical address does not provide enough information to locate a recipient. For staff, recipients' mailboxes are usually located in their departmental offices. Mail Services sorts incoming mail by department and delivers it on routes which most efficiently reach them. When a department moves to a different building, Mail Services adjusts its delivery routes to accommodate the change.
For students, Mail Services sorts incoming mail by residence halls or apartment for daily delivery to front desks.
Using a physical address does not impede campus mail delivery, it just is not necessary.