Overview
University of Alaska (UA) Emeriti may have recently seen a pop-up in their Microsoft 365 desktop applications (such as Word or Excel) stating that their license is expiring or has been downgraded. This is the result of a mandatory, system-wide change by Microsoft, which has discontinued the M365 A1 Plus license.
Affected users will continue to have full access to the online versions of Microsoft 365. You can still create, edit, and view all your documents directly in your web browser, and can access them by reviewing the M365 Online Web Apps section.
UA Emeriti who need to maintain desktop Microsoft 365 access can purchase desktop licenses by reviewing the steps below.
In this article:
How do I use this technology?
UA Emeriti who are working for any UA department in the capacity of an Adjunct Professor or Temporary employee may have access to a Microsoft M365 A5 license that must be approved and purchased by the department. For more information regarding this process, please visit our Microsoft 365 Licensing for Adjunct/Temporary Faculty and Crafts & Trades Staff knowledge article.
UA Emeriti who are no longer employed by any UA department and wish to continue using the desktop app for personal use may purchase and apply for a discounted version of Microsoft 365 at microsoft.com/en-us/workplace-discount-program.
Is there any additional information I should know about?
What does Emeritus status mean?
According to the UA System's REGENTS’ POLICY, PART IV – HUMAN RESOURCES, Chapter 04.04 - Faculty, Section R04.04.070. Emeritus Status page:
B. The chancellor, in his or her sole discretion, may confer emeritus status on a tenured or special rank faculty member who has attained the rank of full professor and who has retired after a minimum of 10 years of honorable service at the University of Alaska immediately prior to retirement may be honored through appointment as professor emeritus.
What services and application licenses can I use through UA as an Emeritus?
Privileges available to emeritus faculty members may include the following:
- Listing in the appropriate university directory and catalog.
- Invitations to major university functions.
- Notice of campus functions and social gatherings.
- Use of library, gymnasium and food facilities on the same basis as active employees in their category.
- Access to electronic mail, Microsoft M365 A1 license, office space, laboratories and/or research facilities (where such access is available at no charge to the university and does not displace other faculty, staff, and/or students).
- Receipt of an identification card.
- Waiver of tuition for courses in which they themselves are enrolled.
M365 Online Web Apps
To create, edit, and view all your documents directly in your web browser, and can access them in two ways:
- In your preferred web browser, go to m365.cloud.microsoft/apps (requires UA login), or
- For files located in your OneDrive folder:
- Right-click your file.
- Hover over OneDrive.
- Select View Online to open them in the web app associated with their file type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following FAQs are answered in the Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise article.
- Is Microsoft Copilot available with my account?
- Can I continue to use the applications after I graduate or leave the University?
- Do I need a license key for Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise applications?
- How many devices can I install Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise on?
Need additional help or have issues
For departments needing assistance purchasing a Microsoft 365 A5 license, please review your Support For Office 365 @ UA ticket and submit a notified comment to the department responsible for processing it.
For M365 app support or licensing questions, requests may be submitted anytime using the appropriate Support For Office 365 @ UA form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by UAA Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.
For immediate assistance please review the Contact Us page for the appropriate support group.