Syracuse University uses email to provide important information regarding account and data retention for former students.  If you have any doubts or concerns about the legitimacy of emails you receive, please contact ITS Client Services at (315) 443-2677 or help@syr.edu. 


Email and OneDrive Changes

Why is email and OneDrive access changing for former students and alumni?  

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.  

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

Former students and alumni whose last term of enrollment was Spring 2023 or any term prior will be denied access on or soon after May 28, 2024. 

For recent and current students, the last day to access your syr.edu account will be 12 months after your last term of enrollment at SU. 

What will happen to my email and OneDrive files?

Data for former students and alumni whose last term of enrollment was Spring 2023 or any term prior will be deleted on or soon after May 28, 2024.

For recent and current students, email and files will be deleted soon after access is removed.  It is recommended that you  download or transfer  important documents and emails before access is removed.

My syr.edu email address is forwarded to another email I check more often. Will that also stop?   

Yes, email forwarding from your syr.edu email address will stop when access to the account is removed. Update your contacts with that preferred email address to ensure uninterrupted communication. 

Will I still be able to access MySlice, BlackBoard and other technology resources?

No.  These resources are available only to current students, faculty and staff, and former students whose last term of enrollment was less than 12 months ago.

What if I need my SU transcript?

You can order your transcript by following the directions from the Registrar's Office.

 What can I do to keep my syr.edu email address? 

Email and OneDrive services are available to individuals that are actively affiliated with Syracuse University.  There are no exceptions. 


What do I need to do?

  • If you do not already have one, create an email account with another provider such as gmail. 
  • Download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account. You may simply choose to manually forward them to another email account. 
  • Update log-in credentials for websites and applications for which you use your syr.edu email.
  • Provide your new email address to Syracuse University’s Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, visit https://alumniupdate.syr.edu to add any new or updated information. 

When do I need to take action?

  • Former students and alumni whose last term of enrollment was Spring 2023 or any term prior need to take action before May 28, 2024.
  • Former students and alumni that last attended Summer 2023 or more recently need to take action within 12 months of their last term of enrollment elapses.
  • Current students should begin transitioning from the syr.edu email account and OneDrive as soon as they graduate or stop attending.

How can I move my email and files?

  • Email
    • export to local device.  See instructions at Microsoft.com.
    • forward individual messages to a non-syr.edu email account.
  • OneDrive
    • do these two steps:
      1. sync to a different device (see instructions at Microsoft.com), and then
      2. copy or move the files to another location out of the SU OneDrive folder.

If you need assistance, contact the ITS Service Center at help@syr.edu or 315-443-2677.

How do I give SU my new email address?

Please go to https://alumniupdate.syr.edu and add any new or updated information.

Continuing or Returning Students

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 since their last class. However, if it has been 12 months or longer, you will be given a clean email and OneDrive account upon your return. It's important to note that even if you are given a clean account, you will retain your previous email address, NetID, and SUID. If you are unsure whether you will be returning before the 12-month mark, 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 12 after last term of enrollment.  After 12 months you will lose access to email and OneDrive. If you are unsure whether you will return within 12 months, it is recommended that you download or transfer any important documents and emails from your syr.edu account before you lose access.

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.