FAQs: Goucher Gmail Accounts to Microsoft Outlook

As part of our ongoing efforts to standardize software across Goucher College, we will be migrating student email accounts currently on Google Gmail to Microsoft Outlook. This transition will create a unified email experience for all faculty, staff, and students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is happening and why?

Users who currently use a Google Gmail account ending with @mail.goucher.edu will be migrated to a new Outlook account with an @goucher.edu email address. This change ensures consistency across the college’s email system and enhances security, collaboration, and support.

Who is impacted?

This transition affects anyone with a Goucher Gmail account ending in @mail.goucher.edu. Faculty, staff, and students already using a Microsoft address ending in @goucher.edu (without “mail”) will not be affected.

What if I have both types of Goucher email accounts?

Those who already have a Microsoft Outlook account under the same username as their Goucher Gmail account will not be included in the data migration process and will need to transfer their data on their own. Instructions can be found here.

When will this change take effect?

The migration will take 13 weeks to complete and is scheduled to take place soon. More details on the exact timeline will be provided in follow-up communications.

Will my email address change?

Yes, your new email address will end in @goucher.edu (without “mail”). However, your current email address (e.g., John.Doe@mail.goucher.edu) will remain as an alias. This means:

  • Emails sent to your old address will still be delivered to your new Microsoft inbox.
  • Any memberships or subscriptions linked to your old email will not be affected.

Will my emails and other data be moved for me?

IT will migrate your email messages and forwarding rules from Gmail to your new Outlook email account; however, files stored in Google Drive, contacts, and other data will not be automatically moved. Users will need to save/download this information on their own. Please visit our Saving Goucher Gmail Data post for detailed instructions.

How should I prepare?

To help ensure a smooth transition, we ask that you:

  • Review and clean up your Gmail inbox by deleting unnecessary messages.
  • Empty your Trash folder to remove old emails permanently.

Will I log into my new account the same way?

Yes, you will use your existing Goucher credentials to log into your new Microsoft Outlook account. However, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will be required, and you will need to reset your password every 180 days for security compliance.

Where do I go to get help?

For all other related questions, contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@goucher.edu.