Major Upgrade Brings New Email System and Other Communication Tools

On May 20, 2013, Loyola upgraded its email system from GroupWise to Microsoft Exchange. The change in platforms positions Loyola to take advantage of anytime, anywhere communication and provide for more collaborative interactions via email, messaging, conferencing, and other tools. The migration brings significant enhancements for both desktop users and those on mobile devices and tablets. Microsoft Exchange offers the same kinds of indispensable email and calendar tools that were provided via GroupWise:

• Streamlined access from any device: Access your Loyola email and calendar anytime, anywhere, on any device.
• Expanded calendar features: Share calendars with colleagues outside Loyola, and make use of more sophisticated editing and scheduling features.
• Increased storage capacity: Expanded storage capacity for files and attachments.
• More seamless integration within the Microsoft Office suite and within the cloud: Consistent formatting features mean e-mail messages will look the way you want them to

Additional improvements, coming this fall, will also bring:

• Integrated instant messaging, voice mail, and conferencing capabilities: Listen to voicemail messages through your e-mail inbox; access e-mail and calendar options with voice commands on your phone; and host audio, video, and web conferences with anyone, inside or outside Loyola.

For more information, see the Benefits page.

Who Is Affected?

The migration has affected students, faculty, and staff, though there are some differences in the way the new services and software are delivered. Faculty and staff now use Microsoft Outlook for email and calendaring, along with other communication tools. These are hosted through on-campus servers. Student tools are delivered through the cloud (i.e., through the Internet) using a program called Microsoft Office 365. Most Loyolans were upgraded in May, though some within the Health Sciences Division will be moved at a later date along with the Loyola University Health System.

Why Have We Changed?

Loyola was an early adopter of the GroupWise email system – it’s been in use here since 1992 – and the system served our needs well for many years. In 2011, as the University began its move to Windows 7 and Office 2010, we launched a formal evaluation to see how the rapidly changing communications landscape was affecting our delivery of email services and other, related tools.

The heart of this process was the creation of an advisory committee comprised of Loyola students, faculty, and staff. The group prioritized Loyola’s core needs and engaged the leading email providers in detailed discussions about how they could respond to those needs. In the summer of 2012, the committee recommended a move to Microsoft Exchange, and the formal decision soon followed.

For More Information

More detailed information about the upgrade is available through the menu at the right. Questions or comments about the project can be directed to emailproject@luc.edu. If you need help with any of the new programs or features, please contact the Help Desk at 773.508.4487 or helpdesk@luc.edu.