Microsoft 365: Terms of Use

Microsoft 365 (M365) accounts, which include personal @mylaurier.ca email accounts, are provided to students in order to administer the University-student relationship, ensure a channel of communication between students and University faculty and staff, and to allow for collaboration, learning, and research. These Terms of Use set out the University’s expectations for students while using M365 accounts provided by the University.

Laurier information technology, including access to Microsoft 365, is made available to students to support their academic activities. Access is governed by university policies, applicable laws, and contractual terms and conditions. By using your Microsoft 365 accounts, you agree to the following Terms of Use.

Students should be aware their names and @mylaurier.ca email addresses are visible to other students, faculty, and staff through M365. This is necessary for students to access and use the collaboration tools included in M365. If a student is concerned about the visibility of their name and email address, please contact support@mylaurier.ca.

Acceptable Use

Use of all University provisioned information technology is covered by Policy 9.1 Use of Information Technology. Students should also note the following additional information regarding the use of Microsoft 365 accounts.

Personal Use

Student accounts may be used for personal purposes provided such use does not:

• Directly or indirectly interfere with University operations or services;
• Violate the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct: Academic Misconduct, or Use of Information Technology Policy;
• Misuse access to names and/or email addresses visible within M365.

Privacy of Content

While the University respects the reasonable privacy of emails and other records stored or distributed on its servers and networks, students should be aware there is no guarantee of privacy. The University has the right and ability to access information on its systems for a wide variety of legitimate reasons, including: 

• To engage in technical maintenance, repair and administration;
• To meet legal requirements to produce information, including electronic records;
• To prevent or investigate misconduct and ensure compliance with legislation and University policies;
• To delete, retract, or remove access to records provided by mistake.

Account Retention

Student @mylaurier.ca email accounts that have not been accessed for five years may be deleted without notice. Upon leaving the University, students should ensure any documents, emails, or other records stored in their M365 account are backed up or saved on a personal device or cloud account if long-term retention is a concern.

Compliance 

Non-compliance with the Terms of Use and University policies may result in disciplinary action under the Non-Academic Student Code of Conduct or Student Code of Conduct: Academic Misconduct and/or termination of access to their Microsoft 365 account.

Questions

For questions about these Terms of Use, please contact support@mylaurier.ca for more information.