Purdue Northwest Shifts From Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 – Students Must Enable MFA and Prepare for Migration by Feb 9

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Purdue Northwest To Phase Out Google Workspace

Purdue University Northwest (Pnw) is preparing for a significant shift in its technology infrastructure, announcing a phased retirement of its Google Workspace services.The transition, slated to be complete by Spring 2026, will impact faculty, staff, and students who currently rely on Google tools for daily operations and course materials.The university is moving toward Microsoft 365 as its primary productivity suite.

What Services Are Affected?

The following Google services will be discontinued: Google Calendars, Google Drive, google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Classroom, and the ability to Sign-in with Google using Pnw-affiliated email addresses. This change impacts how users access and share information, collaborate on projects, and manage online identities.According to recent data from Statista, Microsoft 365 holds a dominant 69% market share in the productivity suite space as of late 2023, demonstrating its widespread adoption in educational institutions.

Timeline and Action Items for Faculty

Faculty are urged to proactively prepare for this shift. A key proposal is to promptly cease creating new content within their Pnw Google accounts. Existing files and resources, vital for course instruction, must be downloaded and uploaded to microsoft 365. Google provides detailed instructions on how to download files from Google Drive hear. Simultaneously, faculty should identify and remove any obsolete files, including those already migrated to Microsoft 365. all Google links embedded in Brightspace courses and other educational materials should be replaced with corresponding Microsoft links.

Broader Implications for the PNW Community

The transition extends beyond course materials. Both faculty and staff are instructed to migrate any non-Google services currently authenticating with their @pnw.edu Google credentials to option authentication methods. This ensures continued access to essential tools and resources.

data Migration and Access

While Google Drive will eventually be unavailable,Pnw assures users that files will be automatically migrated to Microsoft OneDrive. Though, the university emphasizes the importance of reporting any missing data to the Campus Support Center (Csc) immediately after the migration is complete, as recovery is generally possible.Users of “Sign-in with Google” for external applications, websites, or mobile devices are strongly advised to switch to personal email addresses to avoid service disruptions. Google Photos will also be discontinued, requiring users to download, copy, or move their photos to personal storage solutions like iCloud, OneDrive, or Flickr.

Service	Current Status	Action Required	Deadline
Google Drive	Active, will be migrated	Download & re-upload to OneDrive	spring 2026
Sign-in with Google	Active, will be discontinued	Transition to personal email	Spring 2026
Google Photos	Active, will be discontinued	Download to personal storage	Spring 2026

pnw’s Information technology Services provides complete resources and frequently asked questions on their When does Purdue Northwest’s transition to microsoft 365 take effect?

Purdue Northwest Transitions to Microsoft 365: What Students Need to Know

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is undergoing a significant technology upgrade, moving from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. This transition impacts all students and requires immediate action, particularly regarding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and preparation for teh data migration deadline of February 9th, 2026. this article details everything PNW students need to know to ensure a smooth shift.

Understanding the Change: Google Workspace to Microsoft 365

For years, PNW relied on Google Workspace for core student services – email, document creation, and collaboration. The move to Microsoft 365 represents a strategic investment in a more integrated and robust platform. Microsoft 365 offers a suite of applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, providing students with powerful tools for academic success and future career readiness. This change aligns PNW with many other universities leveraging the microsoft ecosystem for enhanced educational experiences.

The Critical Role of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Before accessing Microsoft 365, all PNW students must enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).MFA adds an extra layer of security to your account, protecting your data from unauthorized access. Think of it as a second lock on your digital door.

Here’s what you need to know about MFA at PNW:

* What is MFA? MFA requires you to verify your identity using a second factor, typically a code sent to your smartphone or generated by an authenticator app.

* How to Enable MFA: Detailed instructions and support resources are available on the PNW IT Help Desk website ([link to PNW IT Help Desk]). The process is straightforward,but don’t delay – it’s a prerequisite for accessing the new system.

* Supported MFA Methods: PNW supports several MFA methods, including the Microsoft Authenticator app, SMS text codes, and possibly hardware security keys.

* Why is MFA Important? Protecting your academic records, financial aid information, and personal data is paramount. MFA considerably reduces the risk of account compromise.

Preparing for the Data Migration – February 9th deadline

The migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 involves transferring your existing data – emails, documents, and files. the deadline for ensuring a smooth transition is February 9th, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

1. Back Up Critically important Data: While PNW it is indeed handling the bulk of the migration, it’s highly recommended that you independently back up any critical files stored in Google Drive. This provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Consider using OneDrive, an external hard drive, or a cloud storage service.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Microsoft 365: Take advantage of the free training resources offered by PNW IT (see section below). Learning the basics of Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive before the migration will minimize disruption.
3. Update Bookmarks and Links: Any bookmarks or links pointing to Google Workspace applications will need to be updated after the migration.
4. Review Email Forwarding Rules: If you have email forwarding rules set up in Gmail,you’ll need to recreate them in Outlook after the migration.
5. Understand the timeline: PNW IT has published a detailed migration timeline on their website ([link to PNW migration timeline]). Stay informed about key dates and potential downtime.

Training and Support Resources

PNW is committed to supporting students throughout this transition. Several resources are available:

* PNW IT Help Desk: The primary point of contact for all technical issues. Reach them by phone, email, or in person ([link to PNW IT Help Desk contact information]).

* Microsoft 365 Training: PNW is offering online and potentially in-person training sessions on Microsoft 365 applications. Check the PNW events calendar ([link to PNW events calendar]) for upcoming sessions.

* Microsoft’s Official Tutorials: Microsoft provides thorough tutorials and documentation for all its applications ([link to Microsoft 365 learning resources]).

* Peer Support Groups: Consider joining or forming study groups with classmates to share tips and troubleshoot issues.

Benefits of the Microsoft 365 Transition

The shift to Microsoft 365 offers several advantages for PNW students:

* Enhanced Collaboration: Microsoft teams provides a centralized hub for communication, file sharing, and project collaboration.

* Industry-Standard Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 is highly valued by employers across various industries.

* Seamless Integration: Microsoft 365 integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services.

* Increased Storage: Microsoft OneDrive offers ample cloud storage space for your files.

* Improved Security: MFA and other security features protect your data from unauthorized access.

Real-World Exmaple: Similar University Transitions

Several universities have successfully transitioned from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. For example, Arizona State University completed a similar migration in 2024, reporting increased student engagement and improved collaboration after the transition. Their experience highlights the importance of proactive communication, comprehensive training, and robust IT support.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* Can’t Access Microsoft 365: Ensure MFA is enabled and you are using your PNW credentials.

* Data not Migrated: Contact the PNW IT Help Desk immediately.

* Outlook Configuration Issues: Refer to the PNW IT Help Desk documentation or seek assistance from a technical support