--- loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2008/09/19 03:27:04	1.687
+++ loncom/interface/loncommon.pm	2008/09/29 22:53:20	1.688
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # a pile of common routines
 #
-# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.687 2008/09/19 03:27:04 raeburn Exp $
+# $Id: loncommon.pm,v 1.688 2008/09/29 22:53:20 raeburn Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -8404,8 +8404,10 @@ sub build_recipient_list {
     } elsif ($origmail ne '') {
         push(@recipients,$origmail);
     }
-    if ($defmail ne '') {
-        push(@recipients,$defmail);
+    if (defined($defmail)) {
+        if ($defmail ne '') {
+            push(@recipients,$defmail);
+        }
     }
     if ($otheremails) {
         my @others;