After careful consideration, the University has decided to transition to Microsoft as our only university-wide platform for collaboration and productivity tools.

Why is the University making this change?

Moving to a single platform will provide a more reliable and consistent user experience, continue the University’s commitment to security and privacy, and address the rising costs of maintaining multiple platforms.

When will the transition occur?

Between now and January 2026, the Knoxville-area Campus and Institutes will transition from Google to Microsoft.

• OIT will help faculty and staff move their files and email to Microsoft. OIT will coordinate with colleges and departments to schedule their transition.
• OIT will help students move their email to Microsoft Outlook. Students using UT’s Google Drive, Shared Drives, and Photos will use Google’s built-in tools to migrate to a personal Google account.

Timeline for Transition

• January 2025: Begin scheduling departments and colleges for their Gmail and Drive migrations.
• February 2025: Start department/college migrations to Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive.
• Summer 2025: Student Gmail will be moved to Outlook.
• August 2025: All Students will use Outlook for University Email.
• January 2026: All Department/College migration to Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive completed.

How do Google and Microsoft compare?

What can I do to prepare?

• Use Microsoft resources for new projects, initiatives, and files.
• Identify where you are using UT Google services in your daily work.
• Clean up your Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos by deleting files and old emails you no longer need.
• Students: Use Google tools to copy files and photos to a personal Gmail account.

Additional Resources

• Visit OIT’s website for additional information
• We want to hear from you. You can provide feedback about this change to OIT at tiny.utk.edu/google-feedback