Policy: Microsoft 365 Access

Enrolled students are granted Desktop Application & Web Access to the Microsoft 365 A5 suite of applications as long as they are enrolled in an active class. 

Overview of A5 License

The A5 license is the most advanced education plan, including all features from A1 and A3, plus additional premium capabilities. Key features include:

• Full desktop Office apps for installation on personal devices
• Advanced security and compliance tools, including Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1
• Advanced analytics and insights via Viva Insights and other premium add-ons
• Enhanced Teams features, such as meeting tracking, email delay delivery, and advanced reporting
• Student Use Benefit allows students to access A5 features as long as they are enrolled in active class. 

When a student is no longer enrolled in classes, their M365 License is reduced to the A1 level from A5.

Overview of A1 License

The A1 license is a free tier for qualifying educational institutions, primarily designed for students and basic classroom use. Key features include:

• Web and mobile Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint online)
• Microsoft Teams for Education
• Exchange Online email with smaller mailbox quotas
• OneDrive storage with limited capacity
• Basic education tools like Class Notebook and Forms
• No desktop Office apps and limited security features
  This license is ideal for students or institutions seeking a cost-free solution for basic collaboration and productivity

If a student does not enroll for two consecutive semesters (Spring/Fall or Fall/Spring), their account will be deleted from the system. Students are advised to back up any important files and emails before graduating or taking an extended leave, as they will no longer have access to them.

Applicants who have never taken a class and recently readmitted students will have a limited A1 account: external email, third-party apps, and connected student benefits will not be available until their first class starts.