Get ready for a major tech shift at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln—because starting January 2nd, your emails are going on a brief vacation! But here's where it gets controversial: Is a 72-hour email blackout worth the promise of a more secure, AI-ready future? Let’s dive in.
The university is wrapping up its yearlong Microsoft 365 and workstation migration from January 2nd to 5th, marking the final phase of the ambitious Future Ready Cloud Collaboration Workspace Migration project. This transition isn’t just about switching systems—it’s about future-proofing the campus for emerging technologies. And this is the part most people miss: While the email downtime might feel like a headache, it’s a small price to pay for enhanced security and streamlined collaboration across NU campuses.
Here’s the breakdown: The migration kicks off at 8 a.m. on January 2nd and runs until 8 a.m. on January 5th. During this time, university email access will be unavailable, though Canvas and MyRed will continue to function as usual. Faculty and staff can still log into Microsoft 365 apps, but emails sent to @unl.edu addresses will be held in queue until the switch is complete. Students, however, will temporarily lose access to Outlook, OneDrive, and other Microsoft tools, with queued emails delivered once the system goes live on January 5th. Bold move or necessary step? Let us know what you think in the comments!
One important detail: OneDrive files might take a few extra days to fully migrate. After the transition, students will log in using their NUID@nebraska.edu and current password. Curious about your TrueYou username? Check out this handy guide: TrueYou Username Guide.
Post-migration, all emails will appear as @unl.edu or @huskers.unl.edu. Secondary email identities will still work, and messages sent to @nebraska.edu will deliver, though these addresses won’t show up in directory searches. Users might also need to reshare OneDrive or SharePoint links they’ve created. Need help? Here’s how to do it: OneDrive Resharing Guide and SharePoint Resharing Guide.
Support is readily available to ease the transition. From January 5th to 9th, virtual assistance will be offered via the ITS Zoom Support Room (ITS Zoom Support Room) from 8 to 10:30 a.m., with in-person help at all HuskerTech locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional pop-up help centers will pop up the week of January 12th at Cather Dining Center and the Osborne Legacy Complex. For immediate assistance, students, faculty, and staff can contact the HuskerTech Help Center at 402-472-3970 or nusupport@nebraska.edu. Want to learn more before the switch? Join the Zoom info sessions (Zoom Info Sessions) every Monday at 1 p.m. through December 1st.
By the end of this migration weekend, UNL will have moved a staggering 65,000 email accounts, 5,000 workstations, 10,000 SharePoint/OneDrive sites, and 2 petabytes of data—all while managing over 5,000 support interactions. But here’s the real question: Will this massive overhaul truly prepare the university for the AI-driven future it promises? Share your thoughts below!
Project leaders are quick to thank campus partners for their patience and credit early pilot groups in the College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences for refining the process. This collaborative effort ensures a smoother transition for the entire university community. So, while the email downtime might feel like a temporary inconvenience, it’s a step toward a more connected, secure, and innovative future. Is it worth it? You decide.
