In response to Microsoft’s changes in global storage limits for universities and colleges, Carleton University is putting Microsoft 365 storage limits in place. Over the next few weeks, we will focus on reducing the university’s OneDrive storage.
We need your help to reduce our Microsoft storage footprint and better optimize our Microsoft environment ahead of this change.
Faculty, staff members and students will be subject to these new storage limits by May 5, 2025.
All users must remove all personal files and reduce their storage within the limits stated below.
What You Need to Know
OneDrive Storage Limits: The new limits are displayed in the table below. Your new OneDrive storage limit corresponds to your role with the university.
| Service | Role | Limit |
| OneDrive | Faculty and Staff | 100 GB |
| Students | 10 GB |
Action Required: You will receive an email if your OneDrive account exceeds your storage limit. The email will ask you to delete files until you are below your limit by May 5, 2025.
How to Reduce Storage: Please start by reviewing your OneDrive contents and removing the following file types:
- Personal files (photos, videos, documents, etc.)
- Copyrighted content (movies, music etc.)
- Redundant or duplicate files
- Records past retention as listed in the Carleton University Retention Schedule
How Can You Check Your Current OneDrive Storage Usage and Delete Files?
Our recommended method for managing and reducing OneDrive storage is listed below, and Microsoft’s guides on how to check OneDrive storage and delete files and folders are available at the bottom of this page.
- Log in to office.com with your Carleton credentials
- Click on the app launcher waffle icon in the top-left corner of your screen
- Select ‘OneDrive’ from the app list
- Click your current storage usage in GB to see the largest files in your OneDrive
- Delete files you no longer need, or personal and/or copyrighted files
- After deleting files, click ‘Empty your recycle bin’ (THIS STEP IS CRITICAL)
- Permanently remove deleted files by emptying your recycle bin
What Kinds of Files Can You Store?
Please be reminded that storage should only be used for academic purposes and official university business. All personal files must be removed. Users are responsible for adhering to the Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Email policy, the Corporate Records and Archives Policy, the Fair Dealing Policy and all applicable copyright laws in their storage practices.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring uninterrupted access to OneDrive services.
Who Can You Contact If You Have Questions?
If you have questions, please email ITSServiceDesk@cunet.carleton.ca.
Useful Resources
Delete files or folders in OneDrive – Microsoft Support
Manage your OneDrive for work or school storage – Microsoft Support