West Liberty University is transitioning from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 as our primary platform for email, file storage, collaboration, and productivity tools. This move will take place over the summer of 2026 and will provide greater integration, security, and consistency across our systems.
General Information
Why is this happening?
Both Google and Microsoft provide storage and office applications. However, the key difference is that Microsoft meets our security requirements for data storage. All work-related data, including emails, should be used and stored on Microsoft’s Platform.
What is the scope of this migration?
The migration includes email, calendar, and contacts. If you need any files migrated, please submit a helpdesk ticket at https://westliberty.edu/helpdesk
Will this change where I check my email?
Yes, after the migration you will check your email using Microsoft Outlook. WLU IT Services recommends accessing Outlook on the Web at https://outlook.office.com.
What if I am already using the desktop version of Outlook?
If you currently use Outlook on your computer to access your WLU Gmail account, you will need to make a few updates after the migration.
- Remove your old Gmail account from Outlook. Once the migration occurs, your Gmail inbox will no longer receive university email. To avoid errors or duplicate mailboxes, you should remove the Gmail account from Outlook.
- Add your Microsoft 365 mailbox to Outlook. Outlook will automatically configure your new inbox, calendar, and contacts.
- Allow time for your new mailbox to sync.
- Recreate email signatures, rules, categories, etc.
What about email on my phone?
You will need to remove the Gmail account and add your Microsoft 365 email account to the Microsoft Outlook app.
Apple App Store link: Here
Google Play link: Here
Data Access
What data will be migrated?
Email, Calendar, and contacts are the only items that will be scheduled for automated migration. If you want anything from your Google Drive, photos, etc., please reach out to IT with a helpdesk ticket to assist with migration as soon as possible.
What will not be migrated?
- Calendar attachments
- Tasks
- Chats
- Email attachments that are Google Drive links
- Calendar and category colors
- Inbox rules and filters
- Calendar sharing permissions
- Automatic replies (Out of Office settings)
- Calendar event attendance status (accepted/declined responses)
- Resource calendars
- Google Drive Documents
- Google Forms
- Photos
- Video Content
Will I be able to access my WLU Google Workspace account after the migration?
No, access to Google Workspace will discontinue after the migration.
Important Details
I see duplicate email messages after the migration?
Email messages with multiple labels in Google may appear in multiple folders within Microsoft Outlook.