There is a template within GroupWise client and web for automating the out-of-office rule.

From within GroupWise desktop client:

1. You access this from the Tools menu > Out of Office Rule
   or
   On bottom right corner of client, click the Luggage Icon signifying Vacation (this also shows dark if rule is active currently).  See Screenshot below
   
2. Fill out your form with Start Date, End date which is last day you are away, not the first day you return.
   *You can choose to use All day events, or start at for example 5PM of your last working day and end 6AM your first day back
3. Fill in your Main Subject stating Vacation or Out of office reply as appropriate, and a message explaining when you will return, who to contact in meantime if necessary.
4. Click on the External Users tab, and choose who you want to reply to.  If you leave unchecked, it will only autorespond to internal SMS Employees.
   You can choose to reply to those in your address books, or Every incoming message.
   leave the subject and message fields blank to have system auto use your Main response. 
   *Delete any empty spaces as well
5. IF, and only IF, you want a totally different autoresponse message, then fill in the External subject and message reply messages.
   *Remember to check these each time in case you setup something here previously.
6. Note you can choose to include their original message as part of your autoreply by clicking the checkbox on bottom.

Example:



and for external users IF you want a separate message




From webmail:

1. Click the gear icon on top right corner and choose Out Of Office Rule.  See screnshot below
   
   
2. Follow steps 2+ from desktop client above as they are the same.