Body
At a Glance: Microsoft 365 is now the university-supported platform for email, files, calendars, and collaboration. Extended Google Workspace access will be permitted for active students and recent graduates within the past academic year. Use it to save and move your content to Microsoft 365 before the deadline.
Extended Access Deadline: May 11, 2027 at 5:00 p.m.
- After the deadline, Google Workspace access will be permanently removed.
- Google Workspace will not be restored as a university service.
Don't wait. Start moving your content immediately.
Your 4-Step Game Plan
- Sign In — Log in to Google Workspace using your OneID (oneid@ncat.edu)
- Export — Download your files, calendars, contacts, and email
- Move — Upload files to OneDrive; import calendars and contacts into Outlook
- Verify — Open your content in Microsoft 365 to confirm it moved correctly
Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 Tool Comparison
| If You Used... |
Now Use... |
What to Do |
| Gmail |
Outlook |
Use Outlook for all university email. |
| Google Drive |
OneDrive |
Download your files and upload them to OneDrive. |
| Google Docs |
Word |
Download as .docx |
| Google Sheets |
Excel |
Download as .xlsx |
| Google Slides |
PowerPoint |
Download as .pptx |
| Google Calendar |
Outlook Calendar |
Export the calendar and import it into Outlook. |
| Google Meet |
Teams |
Use Teams for meetings, chat, and group work. |
Tip: To save everything at once, use Google Takeout. To save just a few files, download them directly from Google Drive.
Files and Documents
Option A: Export Everything with Google Takeout
- Go to Google Takeout and sign in with your university account.
- Select Deselect all, then check Drive and any other services you need (Mail, Calendar, Contacts).
- Select Next step. Choose Send download link via email, Export once, and .zip.
- Select Create export.
- When Google emails you, download every part of the export and unzip it.
Note: Takeout creates a copy of your data. It does not move anything into Microsoft 365 for you.
Option B: Download Specific Files from Google Drive
- Open Google Drive and select the files or folders you want to keep.
- Right-click your selection and choose Download.
- For a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide, open it and select File > Download, then choose the Microsoft format (.docx, .xlsx, or .pptx).
Then: Upload to OneDrive
- Sign in at portal.office.com using your OneID credentials and open OneDrive.
- Select Add new or Upload, then choose Files upload or Folder upload.
- Choose your downloaded files. When the upload finishes, open a few files to make sure they work.
After converting, check the formatting, formulas, and images. Some features may not convert perfectly.
Calendar
1) Export from Google Calendar
- In Google Calendar, select the gear icon > Settings.
- Select Import & export > Export, then unzip the file to find your .ics file.
2) Import into Outlook
- In Outlook on the web, open Calendar.
- Select Add calendar > Upload from file, choose the .ics file, and select Import.
Contacts
Move Google Contacts to Outlook
- In Google Contacts, select Export, choose Outlook CSV, and save the file.
- In Outlook on the web, open People.
- Select Manage contacts > Import contacts, choose the CSV file, and select Import.
Email
Save Your Gmail Messages
Your university email was already moved to Outlook. To keep a copy of other Gmail messages, use Google Takeout and select only Mail.
Important: Gmail exports as an MBOX file, which Outlook can't open directly. Don't rename it to .pst. Save it in OneDrive as a backup.
Before Your Access Ends, Check That:
- ☐ Your Takeout download finished, and the folders contain your files
- ☐ Your important files are in OneDrive and open correctly
- ☐ Your calendar events show up in Outlook Calendar
- ☐ Your contacts show up in Outlook People
- ☐ Any files accessed through saved or bookmarked Google links have been moved or downloaded, since those links will no longer work after Google Workspace access ends
- ☐ You kept a backup until everything was confirmed
- ☐ No sensitive or FERPA-protected university information is stored in a personal account
- ☐ Ensure any third party applications, websites, or YouTube videos leveraging your University Google account have been migrated to personal accounts prior to the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Google Workspace come back for all students?
Yes, only for a limited time, please complete the migration steps prior to the cut off date of May 11, 2027.
- Can I use a personal Google account for university-related work?
No. Students should use Microsoft 365 for new university-related work, collaboration, file storage, and productivity needs.
- What if a faculty member directs me to use Google Workspace?
Microsoft 365 is now the university-supported platform. Faculty should use Microsoft 365 for all course related content and instructional activities, and direct students to Microsoft 365 tools.
- Does Takeout delete my data or move it to Microsoft 365?
No to both. It only creates a copy for you to download.
- I need content but don't have access. What do I do?
Submit a request to the ITS Service Desk explaining what you need and why. Requests are reviewed individually.
- What happens if I miss the deadline to migrate my data?
Google Workspace access will not be available after May 11, 2027. Be sure to move your data prior to that date.
Need Help?
The ITS Service Desk is available for assistance.
Remember: Extended access to active students and recent graduates ends May 11, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. Move and verify your content before the deadline.