Beginning July 1, 2024, OU IT is transitioning Microsoft A1+ licenses to Microsoft A1 licenses. The transition is a result of Microsoft discontinuing the use of the free A1+ license, and OU IT had the choice to move impacted accounts to Microsoft A3 (paid) or Microsoft A1 (free). The decision was made to move to A1, after consultation with HR, Provost (OU/OUHSC), IT Governance, and Faculty Senate.
What Microsoft services are impacted?
The main impact of the transition will be the loss of Microsoft Desktop Applications. These applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) will no longer be licensed and accessed via the Desktop clients. There is no impact to Microsoft Online Applications (e.g. Outlook Online, Word Online, Excel Online, PowerPoint Online) nor is there an impact to the delivery of email.
Who is impacted?
Impacted individuals include non-benefits eligible @OU.EDU employees (e.g. Adjunct, Volunteer, Affiliate, PEAK) and sponsored/exception accounts (e.g. Emeritus, Sponsored Affiliates, 3rd party consultants).
Why are Emeritus and other non-benefits eligible teaching positions losing Microsoft Desktop applications?
OU IT and the University did not take this decision lightly. The decision to provide the free license was made in consultation with the Office of the Provost (OU/OUHSC), IT Governance (including Teaching and Learning, Administrative Systems, and Research & Creative Service), and Faculty Senate.
What if I need Microsoft Desktop applications?
- If you have a university owned device, great news! Please complete a College and Department Device Support request, and your team can install Microsoft Desktop applications.
- If you do not have a university owned device, you may communicate with your hiring manager/account sponsor and work with them to purchase Microsoft Desktop applications via the Microsoft Add-On License Request.
- Alternatively, you may purchase Microsoft 365 Personal. Important Note: When purchasing Microsoft 365 Personal, you will need to sign-up with credentials other than your University credentials. OU IT is not able to support the purchasing or installation of Microsoft 365 Personal.
Additional Information
License Comparison
