Overview
Illinois Central College is transitioning faculty work and collaboration tools from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. This change creates a unified technology environment for students and employees.
What’s Changing
Email Accounts
Current state: Faculty already have Microsoft 365 accounts, including email @icc.edu and Microsoft applications. Students are currently receiving new Microsoft 365 accounts.
Collaboration Tools
| Current Tool (Google) |
New Tool (Microsoft 365) |
| Gmail |
Outlook |
| Google Drive |
OneDrive |
| Google Docs |
Microsoft Word Online |
| Google Sheets |
Microsoft Excel Online |
| Google Forms |
Microsoft Forms |
| Google Meet |
Microsoft Teams |
Timeline and Key Dates
| Timeframe |
What Happens |
What You Need to Do |
| January 2026 |
- Current students receive Microsoft 365 account activation emails (OneAccess)
- Both Google and Microsoft systems remain accessible
- Faculty prepare to move relevant ICC data from Google applications to Microsoft 365 applications
- Learn about Microsoft 365 applications, attend Microsoft trainings, or visit the Knowledge Base - Microsoft 365
|
|
| May 18, 2026 |
- Students OneAccess Accounts Required for summer classes that start in June; some summer classes may start earlier
|
- Faculty needs to inform students that they must use OneAccess accounts when logging into ICC Student/Lab Computers
|
| |
|
|
| August 1, 2026 |
- Microsoft 365 becomes ICC’s official platform for communication, collaboration, and productivity
- No new student Google accounts will be created
|
- Use Microsoft 365 for all new work
|
Actions for Faculty
- Plan course material migration to Microsoft 365 tools (OneDrive, Word, Excel, Forms) by May 26, 2026 in preparation for the Fall 2026 semester. Update course materials to replace Google tools with Microsoft 365 equivalents
- Attend training sessions to learn Microsoft 365 tools and best practices, or visit the Microsoft 365 Knowledge Base
- YouTube video recommendations for faculty who have YouTube videos linked to their @lab.icc.edu
- Option 1: Transfer ownership to a new or existing Gmail account (video links will not break). Contact TLE
- Option 2: Download videos from ICC Gmail-linked YouTube accounts and upload them to a new or existing YouTube account (video links will break)
Why We’re Making This Change
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Access Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Workday with one login, with plans to expand to additional systems.
- Industry Alignment: Microsoft 365 is widely used in the workplace, giving students relevant, hands-on experience.
- Integrated Collaboration: Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint work seamlessly together and integrate with Canvas.
- Enhanced Security: Enterprise-grade security and compliance exceed Google’s education offerings.
- Streamlined Support: A unified technology ecosystem enables more consistent and efficient support.
Training and Resources
Technology Services Support
Technology Services is available to support faculty and staff with:
-
OneAccess and Microsoft 365 account support
-
Account access assistance
-
Transition readiness support
Resources are also available to help faculty move existing Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms into Microsoft 365 equivalents to ensure files remain accessible and usable in the Microsoft environment.
Microsoft 365 Knowledge Base
Submit a Technology Support Ticket
TLE Support
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (TLE) will continue supporting faculty through:
-
Microsoft-focused workshops beginning Fall 2026
-
Guidance on Microsoft integrations within Canvas
-
Teaching with Microsoft 365 tools
Faculty who have YouTube videos associated with @lab.icc.edu accounts can transfer those videos to another Google account without breaking existing links. Step-by-step instructions are available, and faculty may also schedule an appointment with Jeff Maston in TLE for assistance.
Submit a TLE Support Ticket
Tech & TLE Microsoft Support Hours
Technology Services and the TLE will be available on Thursdays in June on Teams to support faculty with the Microsoft O365 transition.
***Drop in to the virtual Tech & TLE Microsoft Support Hours from 1:00-2:00pm on:
-
June 4
-
June 11
-
June 18
-
June 25
Join using the Teams link provided or through the TLE Calendar of Events.
Helping Your Students
This guide is also written for students on the Hub, Student Transition to Microsoft 365 (OneAccess).
Microsoft Resources
Getting Help
If you have questions or need assistance during the transition:
Remember: Complete the transition by August 1, 2026. Start early to ensure a smooth migration and take advantage of training opportunities.
You can request Microsoft 365 Support through the Technology Service Desk to get personalized help.
Start a Technology Service Request
IT Service Desk
East Peoria Campus, Administrative Building, L122
(309) 694-5457
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm