After the smooth transition of students to a new email system in the fall of 2015, this fall faculty and staff will be joining them.
Microsoft Office 365 email and calendar software combines the flexibility and mobility of the cloud with the security and stability of Microsoft’s primary software productivity suite. Director of Infrastructure, Operations, and Networking Craig Jackson said, “The Microsoft service is proven. It provides more storage, will be a common platform across campus, all at no cost to the University. The students have been using this software since October 2015 with great success. We look forward to providing this service to the rest of campus in 2016.”
The transition will be tailored to the needs of faculty or staff members. Regardless of current email setup or computer type, current email and folder structure can be transferred to the new system. Faculty and staff will be able to access email and calendar in the new system using the same method they currently use. “Microsoft has made the process of moving to the new system pretty straightforward,” Jackson said. “The project team has worked closely with staff and faculty from across campus to create a plan that will work for each academic and administrative area.”
The move will begin in July 2016 and continue throughout the remainder of the year, with an emphasis on avoiding any busy periods in your department/school calendars. Faculty and staff will hear from area leadership teams and technology support staff when the transition date is approaching. Many faculty and staff members will be able to complete the transition themselves, but the technology support teams as well as the Technology Support Center are already using Office 365 and are trained to help employees through the process.
Coordinated assistance will be available during your migration to assist with questions and configuration of mobile devices. Help will be available every step of the way. No action is needed prior to the transition date.
Office 365 Email and Calendar advantages:
Always up to date, wherever you access it
- Office 365 syncs emails, calendars, and contact information across your devices in real time. So it’s up to date, no matter what device is in your hand.
Safeguard your mobile data
- If you lose your phone, don’t panic. With Office 365, you can wipe your data from it remotely to prevent unauthorized access to your information.
Built-in defense against internet threats
- You’ll have industry-leading, anti-malware protection and anti-spam filtering to guard your email from mail threats.
For more information on the project, please visit IllinoisState.edu/Office365.
