NU System Launches Microsoft 365 Unification Project to Enhance Collaboration

The University of Nebraska (NU) System is embarking on a transformative project to streamline and modernize digital collaboration across its campuses. Over the next 18 months, Information Technology Services, in partnership with Microsoft, will unify Microsoft 365 for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, and the Office of the President. (UNMC is not in scope for this project at this time.)

The initiative, which includes the migration of 166,000 active accounts and more than four petabytes of data, is designed to enhance collaboration, simplify technology usage, and position the University to lead in education and research through the use of emerging digital tools.

“This is about more than technology—it’s about building a more connected and future-ready University of Nebraska,” said Bret Blackman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the NU System. “By unifying Microsoft 365, we’re eliminating barriers to collaboration, improving productivity, and better preparing our campuses to leverage cutting-edge technologies, including AI tools like Microsoft Copilot.”

The project will enable seamless communication and collaboration across campuses, improve secure storage solutions for research and reduce cybersecurity risks. Faculty, staff, and students will benefit from a single, unified sign-in for Microsoft services, while maintaining their campus-specific email identities (@unl, @unomaha, @unk). The initiative aligns with the University’s broader strategic vision to advance “Extraordinary Stewardship and Effectiveness,” one of five foundational pillars outlined by University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

“This effort reflects our commitment to wise resource stewardship and innovative collaboration,” Dr. Gold said. “It ensures that our University is ready to lead in the next era of teaching, research, and engagement.”

Project Benefits

The benefits of this project are substantial and include:

• Seamless Collaboration: Faculty, staff, and students across campuses will be able to collaborate more effectively on a single Microsoft 365 platform, eliminating the need for multiple accounts or logins.
• Future-Ready Tools: Access to additional technologies like Microsoft Copilot AI and Teams Phone to support productivity and innovation.
• Secure Storage Solutions: Compliant storage options through OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams for research and collaborative projects.
• Improved Cybersecurity: Unified sign-ins will enhance security while maintaining individual campus identities.

Migration Timeline

The project will roll out in waves, starting with pilot migrations for faculty and staff in December 2024. Full migrations will follow throughout 2025 (dates subject to change):

• UNK: February-March 2025 (faculty and staff); March 2025 (students).
• UNL: January 2025-January 2026 (faculty and staff); January 2026 (students).
• UNO: April-July 2025 (faculty and staff); July 2025 (students).
• Office of the President: January 2025-February 2025 (faculty and staff).

ITS is committed to providing support and resources to ensure a smooth transition for all users. The ITS team will provide campus-specific updates ahead of migrations to ensure the migration goes smoothly for users. “A top goal of NU ITS is to deliver the best possible experience for our students, faculty, and staff,” said Blackman. “Big Ten universities we often benchmark against have already completed similar initiatives. We are very pleased to be launching this project since it effectively positions the University of Nebraska to remain competitive and embrace emerging technologies.”

For the most up-to-date information on this project throughout the next 18 months, visit the project page and FAQs.