Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Why is the migration from the H: Drive to the OneDrive taking place?
Currently, the University invests funds in both H: Drive and Microsoft OneDrive for file storage. Microsoft OneDrive is included in our Microsoft contract, and the H: Drive is an additional expense associated with hardware and support. The H: Drive file storage hardware needs replacing, and now is the appropriate time to migrate H: Drive file storage to Microsoft OneDrive. The savings realized by not replacing the H: Drive hardware will be reallocated to replace classroom technology.
Will the migration affect the other file storage drives?
This migration will not impact other file storage on campus, such as the W:, S:, P:, or Archive Drive. Your H: Drive files will be available in read-only mode through the end of the spring semester.
Why are the H: Drives changing to read only?
We are transitioning all files from the H: Drive to Microsoft OneDrive. As part of this process, H: Drives will switch to read‑only mode the week of March 16. This means you will still be able to view and access your existing files, but you will no longer be able to save new files or make changes to the ones stored there. H: Drive files will remain available in read‑only mode through the end of the academic year.
Microsoft OneDrive is installed on all UW–Eau Claire computers and can be accessed by logging in with your UWEC credentials. Once logged in, saving files, organizing folders, and accessing documents work much the same way as it does with the H: Drive.
Why is this change happening mid-semester?
The Dell hardware that supports the H: Drive is approaching the end of its warranty and vendor support. Because of this, we need to stop relying on the H: Drive for primary personal file storage before that support expires.
To minimize disruption, this transition is scheduled for over spring break because academic activity is generally lighter. This timing helps ensure the technical changes are completed efficiently while reducing the impact on students, faculty, and staff.
Where was this plan shared? Who was consulted for feedback?
This plan was communicated to and discussed with several campus groups, including:
- UW–Eau Claire Extended Executive Team
- University Senate Technology Committee
- Student Senate Information Technology Commission
- Learning & Technology Services (LTS) staff
- Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) Director
- UW–Eau Claire Foundation staff
In addition, the University Senate Executive Committee reviewed the plan during the fall semester. Feedback from all of these groups was gathered and integrated into the final approach. Communication materials and KnowledgeBase articles continue to be updated as additional feedback is received.
How will my migrated files and folders appear within OneDrive?
Once the migration occurs, each faculty and staff member will have a folder automatically created in their OneDrive account called “Hdrive” that will contain the files from their H: Drive.
If I plan to use files within my H: Drive over spring break, what should I do?
Employees needing to access and use files during the migration can proactively move files from the H: Drive to OneDrive. Once files are manually moved, we recommend verifying that the files are accessible in OneDrive. Finally, to avoid a duplication of files, delete the files from the H: Drive. This will not only ensure access to your files during the transition period but will also speed up the overall process.
What are the benefits of using OneDrive?
There are several benefits to using Microsoft OneDrive for storage, including the following:
• File sharing, versioning, and recovery
• Increased storage (1 Terabyte per employee)
• Easier access to files on multiple devices (computer, tablet, mobile devices)
• File security and auditing (Okta MFA protected)
• Cost savings for UW-Eau Claire
Can I see which files and folders are currently being shared from my Microsoft OneDrive account?
Yes. When logged into https://onedrive.uwec.edu, select the Shared tab found in the navigation bar. Once under Shared, it will default to files shared "With You". These files are owned by other users. To see which files you have shared with others, select "By You". This option allows you to see which files and links to files you have shared with other users.
To learn more about sharing permissions, please see the OneDrive: How to Share Files and Folders Knowledge Base article.
Is Microsoft OneDrive a safe place to store student information and personal data?
Yes. By default, only the individual user can access the OneDrive associated with their UWEC account. All files stored in Microsoft OneDrive are securely housed in Microsoft data centers located in the United States. Data in OneDrive—as well as in SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook (webmail)—is protected and stored within Microsoft’s secure cloud environment.
Is Microsoft 365 OneDrive FERPA Compliant?
Yes. Visit Microsoft's FERPA information page to learn more. It is crucial that faculty and staff use OneDrive appropriately to protect student data. This includes setting the correct sharing permissions for files and folders.
Can you clarify how data is secured and backed up when stored in OneDrive?
All Microsoft Office 365 data is securely stored at Microsoft data centers and is backed up using SysCloud. Access to SysCloud is audited and protected by Okta MFA (two-factor authentication). OneDrive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, meaning it is secure as it passes over the network and the internet. Access to Microsoft Office 365 products, including Microsoft OneDrive, is protected via username, password, and Okta MFA.
Does it take a lot of time to sync large files to the OneDrive?
Syncing files to OneDrive is very similar to syncing to H: Drive. There may be a difference in syncing large files depending on whether the syncing is occurring on or off campus. When syncing large files, it is important to allow the file to completely sync.
Common icons that indicate the status of the file sync:
The file is available for use and stored in the Microsoft OneDrive cloud.
The file is in the process of syncing to the Microsoft OneDrive cloud.
The file has completed syncing to the Microsoft OneDrive cloud.
For an additional icon list, please see the OneDrive: Syncing Files Knowledge Base article.
What happens when a faculty, staff, or student leaves UW-Eau Claire, and there are files in the OneDrive being collaborated on?
Files stored in the UW–Eau Claire–associated Microsoft OneDrive remain with the university unless the user deletes the files or the user’s UWEC account is removed. If files are deleted—either accidentally or intentionally—they can typically be recovered through SysCloud backups for approximately one year.
If someone needs access to a deleted or previously owned file, they can submit a request to the LTS Help Desk with supervisor approval. Providing details such as the file name (or possible names), the UWEC user account involved, and any other helpful context speeds up the recovery process. The Help Desk will route the request to the appropriate LTS staff member, who will work directly with the requestor to locate and restore the needed file.
What should be used for shared academic or research files?
For collaboration—especially on research projects or large files—Learning and Technology Services (LTS) recommends using the W: Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, or Microsoft Teams. These platforms are designed to support shared access, version control, and stable team-based storage. Using these options helps ensure that important files remain available to all collaborators, even if someone leaves the university.