Concordia student email addresses to change platforms from Google to Microsoft
By Hope Nelson
Students can expect to see their student email addresses change this fall as Concordia Nebraska’s IT department works on shifting student accounts from Google-based platforms to Microsoft-based.
Concordia’s IT department began the gradual migration of all active student accounts in June, but students can still access their Google accounts (ending in cune.org) until the end of October. Before this happens, students are encouraged to transfer important files into their new OneDrive (Microsoft) account from their Google Drive.
According to Rachel Jamison, a technical support specialist at Concordia, there are many reasons for the change in email platforms. She cited “security” and “collaboration” as two words that sum up these reasons.
“With Microsoft single sign-on methods…we have the power of a global software industry leader to ensure our students can access what they need safely and easily,” Jamison said.
Students will receive an email in their Google inbox outlining the actions they’ll need to take to set up their Microsoft account. After they take this action, their newly created password will sync with their new email address across all Concordia systems, including Blackboard, email, the Concordia Portal and Microsoft 365. This new email address will take the basic form of firstname.lastname@student.cune.edu.
This change, however, is not optional. After fall break, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 21, all Concordia communications will only be sent to students’ new Microsoft email addresses. Old Google accounts will not be deactivated; however, they will no longer receive vital updates and notices from Concordia staff and administration. Student accounts ending in cune.org that are set up as Microsoft accounts, however, will be deactivated to avoid confusion.
Regarding confusion, Jamison acknowledges that students may initially experience some when transitioning to the new single login platforms.
“I think there will be some…growing pains in the beginning. Once students have moved their files and begin using their Microsoft accounts, I think the benefits will be evident. Change is messy no matter how prepared we are for it,” she said.
“I also see it as a benefit for students going into the business world,” she continued. “Having spent more than 15 years in a corporate setting, I know having access to the full Microsoft suite of services will better prepare students for this type of work.”
Until Oct. 22, students can expect to receive all necessary communications through both their old cune.org accounts and their new Microsoft accounts. They will receive important steps regarding this transition between email platforms from the IT department in upcoming weeks.
For assistance or more information about this shift in Concordia’s technology, students can reach out to helpdesk@cune.edu or visit the IT office, located in the basement of the Dunklau building.
