Google Gmail Transition FAQs
UAFS transitioned from Gmail to Microsoft 365 for its student email system in January 2024. Please read this page carefully to see if your question has been answered before contacting our support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did UAFS transition from Gmail to Microsoft 365 mail?
- Better Security - Having all faculty, staff, and students on a single platform gives the UAFS community a more-secure environment due to the introduction of multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is used with all Microsoft applications and will be used with the new Workday Student system when it goes live.
- One email and calendar provider - Students now use Microsoft 365 for email and scheduling, just like faculty and staff. Advisors will continue to use Navigate for scheduling, but other meetings may be scheduled in Outlook.
- Microsoft Teams – Students now have the option to use Microsoft Teams for collaboration in addition to Zoom.
How do I access my new Microsoft 365 email account?
Using a browser, you can go to myapps.microsoft.com to view all Microsoft applications including Outlook email.
OR
Open the Outlook desktop or mobile application and sign in with your UAFS Microsoft 365 account and your UAFS password. By using your UAFS Microsoft 365 account, you agree to the UAFS IT Acceptable Use Policy.
How do I set up my Microsoft 365 email on my mobile device?
How do I set up MFA?
Click on the link below and sign in with your UAFS Microsoft 365 account (username@uafs.edu).
How will I use MFA if I don’t have a smart phone?
Students who do not have a smart phone can complete this request formto obtain a small MFA hardware token. After filling out the form, students will need to set up an appointment with IT to pick up the hardware token. A charge of approximately $14 will be added to student bills as a non-mandatory fee once the device is enabled so that financial aid and scholarships may be used to cover the cost.
What about emails that are still being sent to my previous email address?
Emails sent to your old address (username@g.uafs.edu), will be forwarded to your Microsoft 365 address (username@uafs.edu) for a period of one year (January 2025). You should let your contacts be aware of your new email address.
Will I still be able to access my Gmail account?
You will have access to your Gmail account and all your old Google emails for one year (until January 2025). All new emails will only be accessible from your Microsoft 365 email account. Any emails that you wish to save will need to be forwarded to your Microsoft email account, or to a personal email account.
What additional features and applications are available with the move to Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 offers a wide range of applications and services including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Teams, and others. These applications provide enhanced collaboration and productivity tools for students.
Will I have access to Zoom?
UAFS is under contract with Zoom until January 2026.
Will I have access to share folders on Microsoft OneDrive?
Yes. Students can access shared folders with colleagues, faculty, staff, and students.
Is there any training on how to use Microsoft 365 applications?
Microsoft offers a full suite of training modules to help you easily and quickly learn to use Microsoft 365 Applications. Training resources will also be made available on My.UAFS during and after the transition.
Visit Microsoft 365 Training Website
What else do I need to do?
Students will need to change their email address for any third-party accounts that use their Gmail account name (Netflix, Facebook, etc.)
Will my email storage capacity change with Microsoft 365?
Your Outlook inbox will have 100GB of storage.
Will Microsoft 365 be accessible on all devices and platforms?
Microsoft 365 is designed to be accessible on various devices and platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Will there be any change to the way I access third-party applications?
There should be no impact to UAFS applications or sign-ins, including your access to campus computers or My.UAFS. However, IT highly recommends changing your email for any third-party accounts (Netflix, Facebook, etc.) to a personal email that is not managed by the university. This protects your access to those accounts after you leave the university.
How do I import my contacts from Gmail to Microsoft 365?
You can import your contacts using the method defined by Microsoft.
Will Google Apps still be available?
Google apps are still available by logging in with your username and password. Access your Google apps at workspace.google.com/appsdashboard.
When using Google apps, you will continue to log in and share documents with your g.uafs.edu Google account (username@g.uafs.edu)
Who should I contact if I need help or have any issues during the transition?
- For assistance during the transition, you can contact the UAFS IT Service Desk at 479-788-7460 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.