Storage quotas coming to UW Google June 2024

What is happening?

As initially announced in June 2021, Google has implemented major changes to their Google Workspace for Education product.

Among other changes, Google has moved to a shared storage pool. We are sharing this information to encourage you to prepare and find alternative solutions for data storage. Learn more about Google’s new storage policy.

Google’s shift to shared storage for Google Workspace for Education means that every UW Google account will be subject to a 100GB storage quota, effective June 11, 2024.

As a step toward establishing the 100GB quota, on August 23, 2022, UW-IT implemented tiered storage quotas that are greater than users’ existing data storage usage.

When is this change taking place?

As of June 11, 2024, personal UW Google accounts that are over quota will be restricted and subject to deletion

·    All user accounts must be below 100GB in total storage utilization before this date.

·    In order to comply with the terms of Google’s new storage policy, user accounts that exceed 100GB and all associated data are subject to permanent deletion.

What steps can I take to prepare for the storage limit?

1.  See how much UW Google storage you are currently using.

2.  Learn how to manage data stored in your UW Google account.

3.  Create a migration plan for email, files and business processes that must be retained.

4.  Review alternatives to UW Google, such as

o  UW-IT’s online storage options or

o  UW Office 365. This productivity platform offers collaboration services such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft 365 Groups that may offer a similar experience.

Can I increase my storage limit?

Shared Drives are available to UW employees who take active responsibility for managing data and access. Individuals may request a Shared Drive with storage capacity up to 100GB. Shared Drives larger than 100GB are subject to additional cost.

Please note that students are not eligible to manage Shared Drives and thus cannot request a Shared Drive.

Learn how to request a Shared Drive.

What will happen to my data if I do not take action?

Starting June 11, 2024, all over quota personal UW Google accounts are subject to permanent deletion. All data associated with the account will be deleted and cannot be recovered.

Where can I go for help?

UW-IT’s service technicians stand ready to answer any questions you may have about this change, and about the different storage options available.

Please contact the UW-IT Technology Service Center at help@uw.edu or 206-221-5000.

You can also visit IT Connect to learn more about migrating your own data. Users can also work directly with their department’s IT support group for specific recommendations and more individualized help. UW-IT is currently working with vendors to determine the feasibility of providing a tool to migrate data from UW Google to an alternative repository. We will communicate about available solutions as soon as possible.


The UW Google Changes Project Team