Student Email Is Moving to Microsoft 365
Student Email Is Transitioning to Microsoft 365
Later this spring 2026 semester, student email will transition from Google to Microsoft 365. This change gives students access to powerful tools (many of which normally require a paid subscription) at no cost.
Microsoft 365 includes modern email, cloud storage, Office apps, and built-in security to support academic success.
Important: This Is a Transition, Not a Migration
This change is a transition, meaning:
- Your existing student Gmail account and its contents will NOT be moved
- Emails and files in Gmail will not transfer to Microsoft 365
- Student Gmail accounts will no longer be available after the Spring 2026 term
- If you have important emails or files in Gmail, be sure to download or save them before Spring 2026.
- You’ll receive reminders and instructions as we get closer to the transition date.
What This Means for You
Your student email will move to Microsoft Outlook (Exchange Online), and you’ll gain access to Microsoft 365 apps and services based on your student status (see FAQ below for more information on student status):
| Current Students | Admitted & Former Students |
|---|---|
|
Microsoft 365 A3 License Current students will receive full access to Microsoft 365, including:
|
Microsoft 365 A1 License Admitted and former students will have access to:
|
Current Student
You are a current student if you are registered for classes within a semester.
- Full access to Microsoft 365 features
- Includes Outlook email, Office apps, OneDrive storage, and additional tools
Admitted Student
You are an admitted student if you have applied and been accepted, but have not yet registered for classes.
- You still receive a Solano College email address
- You can communicate with Financial Aid, instructors, and campus offices
- Access is provided with limited privileges until you register for classes
Former Student
You are a former student if you were previously admitted or enrolled but are not currently registered for classes.
- Your Solano College email and Microsoft 365 account remain active
- This helps keep your access available if you return and register for classes again
- Access is more limited than that of a current student
You can use Google Takeout to download a copy of your data from your student Gmail account.
What you can export:
- Gmail (emails and labels)
- Google Drive files
- Google Photos, Calendar, and more
Steps:
- Go to https://takeout.google.com and sign in to your student Gmail account.
- Select Mail and Drive (or other services you want).
- Download the export file.
- Upload files to your personal Google account or keep a backup.
Student Gmail accounts and their contents will no longer be available after the Spring 2026 term, so be sure to complete this before access ends.