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Is this a Phishing Attempt?

We understand that cybersecurity is a top priority, and it's important to be cautious about emails or communications that may appear suspicious. However, we assure you that this message is not a phishing attempt.

This communication is sent by Syracuse University to provide important information regarding changes to our retention policy for former students' access to university resources. We take the security of our students' accounts seriously and want to ensure that you have the necessary information to take appropriate actions before any changes take effect.

If you have any doubts or concerns about the legitimacy of this message, please feel free to contact the University's IT department directly at (315) 443-2677 or help@syr.edu. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding this communication or any other security-related matters.

Your vigilance and commitment to cybersecurity are appreciated, and we thank you for your attention to this matter.

Why is the retention policy for former students' access to university resources changing?

The university is updating its policies to ensure the security and efficient management of its resources. This includes managing email accounts and other digital assets associated with former students.

When is the last day I will be able to access emails and files to my syr.edu account?

The last day to access your syr.edu account will be 12 months from your last class taken at the University.

What will happen to my access to email resources and OneDrive files after the retention policy changes?

After 12 months from your last registered class, access to the university resources will be denied. After 18 months from your last registered class, your email account, files, and other resources will be deleted.

Will I still be able to access my student records and transcripts after the retention policy changes?

Your student record will remain intact in MySlice, Blackboard, and other systems. Your transcript can be ordered by going to Parchment (link to Parchment with directions).

I have important documents and emails stored in my syr.edu account. How can I retrieve them before I lose access?

It's recommended that you download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account before you lose access.

*OneDrive - Full sync to their local device.  <add link to direction on how to do this>

*Email – they can export to local device. <add link to direction on how to do this>

I am a former student who is returning to Syracuse University. Will I regain access to my syr.edu account?

Returning students may regain access to their syr.edu accounts if it is less than 12 months.  After 12 mounts you will be given a clean eMail and OneDrive account. if you are unsure if you will be returning before the 12 months, it's recommended that you download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account before you lose access.

What if I am not graduating or planning to continue my studies at Syracuse University? Will I still lose my email address?

Students will retain access to their syr.edu accounts up to 12 months since your last class take.  After 12 months you will lose access to eMail and OneDrive account. if you are unsure if you will be returning before the 12 months, it's recommended that you download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account before you lose access.

How should I prepare for changes to my syr.edu account access?

If you are a current student, we recommend that you begin to prepare for the transition away from your syr.edu account prior to graduation. Alumni who are currently using their syr.edu accounts should access them by INSERT DATE HERE to prepare for this change. We recommend taking the following actions:

    • If you do not already have one, create a new email address with another provider to allow you to receive email and store important documents moving forward. Choose an email address that reflects your professionalism and is easily recognizable to potential employers or professional contacts.
    • Download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account before you lose access.You may simply choose to manually forward them to another email provider.
    • Update your log-in credentials for websites and apps that are connected to your syr.edu email, as your log-in experience may be affected once your syr.edu account is deactivated. While your username will still work once your email account is closed, you will have an issue if you forget your password and need to access your syr.edu email address. We recommend updating your email address associated with those accounts to prevent any disruption in access. 
    • Provide your new email address to Syracuse University’s Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving by visiting the Alumni Update webpage, so that we can keep you informed of alumni programs and services.


My syr.edu email is on my resume and cover letter. What should I do?

When transitioning away from your syr.edu email address for professional use, it's important to choose an email address that reflects your professionalism and is easily recognizable to potential employers or professional contacts. Here are some recommendations for creating a new personal, non-syr.edu email address:

Use Your Name: Opt for an email address that includes your full name or a variation of it. This helps to create a professional identity and makes it easier for contacts to remember and recognize you.

Keep It Simple: Choose a simple and easy-to-read email address that is professional and straightforward. Avoid using numbers, symbols, or overly complex combinations that may be difficult to remember or understand.

Include Professional Keywords: Incorporate professional keywords related to your field or industry to further enhance your email address and showcase your expertise or interests.

Use a Custom Domain: Consider registering your own domain name for a more personalized and professional email address. This allows you to create unique email addresses tailored to your needs.

Check Availability: Before finalizing your new email address, ensure that it is available and not already in use by another individual or organization. You can use domain registration services to check the availability of your desired domain name.

By following these recommendations, you can create a new personal, non-syr.edu email address that reflects your professionalism and enhances your professional identity as you continue your career beyond Syracuse University.

All emails to my syr.edu email address are forwarded to another email I check more often. Will that also stop?

Yes, email forwarding from your syr.edu email address will also cease once your account is deactivated. It's recommended to update your contacts with your new email address to ensure uninterrupted communication.

I use my syr.edu email to log in to several websites and apps. How will that be affected?

Your access to websites and apps using your syr.edu email for login may be affected once your syr.edu account is deactivated. We recommend contacting the respective services and updating your email address associated with those accounts to prevent any disruption in access.

 How do I provide a non-syr.edu email address to Syracuse University?

There are two ways to provide a current non-syr.edu email address:

Send an email to records@syr.edu with any information that needs to be updated

Go to https://alumniupdate.syr.edu and add any new or updated information. Your alumni record will be updated.

What can I do to keep my syr.edu eMail address? Can I paid to keep?

At this time, there is no option available to retain or pay to keep your syr.edu email address after you are no longer eligible for access to university resources.  As such, we recommend taking proactive measures to transition to an alternative email address for continued communication and correspondence.

Can you help me transfer my eMail and Files?   <Can Andrew or Ryan provide information >

Here are the directions to save your eMails to your local device.

Here are the instructions to save your OneDrive files to your local device.

What should I do if I have additional questions or need assistance?

For further assistance or clarification regarding the retention policy changes, please feel free to contact the University's IT department directly at (315) 443-2677 or help@syr.edu. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding this communication or any other related matters.



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