Body
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)
- 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
|
|
| January - July, 2026 |
- Microsoft 365 training sessions are available
- Both Google and Microsoft systems remain accessible
- Emails will not be auto-forwarded
|
- Attend training sessions
- Continue moving relevant ICC data and important files to OneDrive
- Start using Microsoft 365 tools
|
| August 1, 2026 |
- Faculty and students will use Microsoft 365 as the primary work platform
- No new Google accounts
@lab.icc.edu will be created for faculty or students
|
- Use Microsoft 365 for all new work
|
Actions for Faculty
- Plan course material migration to Microsoft 365 tools (OneDrive, Word, Excel, Forms) by August 1 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)
- 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
ICC Training
ICC will offer training sessions throughout the transition. Visit the Microsoft 365 Knowledge Base for updates and resources.
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: You have until August 1, 2026 to complete the transition. 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