Posted 10 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2022
UWL to transition to OneDrive beginning June 10
NOTE: This article was published before UWL's transition to OneDrive Friday, June 10. Because of this, some of the information below may no longer be pertinent.
UW-La Crosse is preparing for a change in the way data is stored for students, staff and faculty.
Beginning Friday, June 10, all files previously stored on personal U: drives will be migrated to Microsoft OneDrive. (If you are a Mac user connected to the server, you may know the U: drive as your personnel folder, labeled with your NetID.) This change comes with several benefits and will be implemented with minimal disruption to users.
The transition to OneDrive is part of the Harmony Project between UWL ITS and UW System, which seeks to consolidate and improve data center and computing infrastructure services through UW System. This will allow UWL ITS to focus on serving UWL-specific needs.
To learn more about this data migration, see the FAQ below.
Q: Why is this happening?
A: OneDrive will provide users with additional storage space, greater continuity across platforms and increased access to data. This includes the ability to easily share documents and to access files anywhere and anytime — currently, access is limited to those who are on campus or connected to a VPN. This change also allows users to access files via a mobile device.
In addition to personal ease-of-use benefits, this move will streamline data storage across campus while providing cost savings.
Q: Will I lose my data?
A: None of your data will be lost during the migration. You will be able to access all of your existing files through OneDrive.
Q: What should I do to prepare for this change?
A: There is no need for you to transfer your files to OneDrive manually, as this will be done automatically beginning June 10. Users are encouraged to create and store any new files in OneDrive as a way to familiarize themselves with the platform. Users are also encouraged to delete old, unneeded files from their U: drive.
Q: Will I be able to access U: drive after June 10?
A: U: drive will be accessible in read-only mode after June 10. To gain more direct access to U: drive files, you can contact the Eagle Help Desk. Users will receive additional notices as U: drive is phased out completely in the coming months.
Q: I use U: drive in a unique way and/or I'm concerned this change will affect my work. What should I do?
A: If you use the U: (personnel) in a unique way, you are encouraged to send questions and feedback using this link.
Q: Will other drives be affected?
A: No, this change only applies to files stored in personal U: drives.
Q: How can I access the copied U: drive in One Drive?
A: U: drive files were migrated to a OneDrive folder labeled "U_Drive".
Q: How can I access OneDrive in the classroom?
A: You can find step-by-step instructions in these KnowledgeBase articles.
Q: To whom should I address additional questions?
A: For more information about the transition to OneDrive, contact Systems Administrator Nathan Weissenberger (nathan.weissenberger@wisconsin.edu) or UWL Chief Information Officer David Kim (dkim@uwlax.edu). For OneDrive-related support from Microsoft, click here.