Changes to Cornell Google storage

Cornell will no longer be able to offer unlimited Gmail storage to alumni. This is a result of recent changes to Google’s pricing structure: Google no longer offers free unlimited storage to universities.

But don’t worry! You can keep your current Gmail account, and there are steps you can take now to prepare for this change and not lose any of your important data.

Here are the basics:

• Alumni who graduated before December 2022 can keep their current alumni Gmail accounts.
• Storage across Gmail, Drive, and Photos will be capped for all users.
• Optional Microsoft Office 365 accounts with larger email storage caps will also be available for alumni.
• Current students will have the option of using Microsoft Office 365 and can continue to use those accounts after they become alumni.

What we’re asking you to do before 2025

Check how much Google storage you’re using now. Go to the Drive Storage section of your Cornell Google account to see your current storage amount. (You’ll need to sign in with your Cornell NetID and password.)

• If you have less than 15GB of data in your Cornell account right now, there’s nothing you need to do!
  • You are under your storage limit. As long as your storage does not climb past the limit for your account, you won’t need to take any further action.
  • But if your usage climbs past your storage cap in the future, you may be locked out of your account.
• If you have more than 15GB but less than 200GB of data in your account right now, we’ve added a cap above your current data level.
  • You’ll have until early 2025 to reduce your storage down to the 15GB limit. If you don’t take action to reduce your storage by that time, your account will be deleted.
  • You can also choose to switch to a Cornell Microsoft Office 365 email account (with 50GB of storage) at any time.
• If you have more than 200GB of data in your account right now, we’ve added a cap above your current data level.
  • You’ll have until May 2024 to reduce your storage below 200GB. If you don’t take action to reduce your storage by that time, your account will be deleted.
  • Alumni who successfully reduce their storage below 200GB will then have until early 2025 to further reduce your storage to 15GB. If you don’t take action to reduce your storage by that time, your account will be deleted.
  • You can also choose to switch to a Cornell Microsoft Office 365 email account (with 50GB of storage) at any time.
• If your usage climbs above your current cap, you may be locked out of your account.

See tips to help you get started with moving your data or saving it elsewhere. For moving larger storage, we recommend using the tool VaultMe.

Cornell Microsoft Office 365 email accounts

Following these changes, Microsoft Office 365 will become the preferred email service for Cornell alumni. These accounts will offer 50GB of email storage, and you can request an account here. You’ll need to log in with your Net ID to complete the process. Only alumni who graduated prior to December 2021 need to fill out a request form.