Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is the modern version of the Microsoft Office suite. 

Microsoft 365 is subscription-based, and includes the standard Microsoft Office applications: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote.  

Which Version Works for You?

Everyone at USD qualifies for a version of Microsoft 365.  Read more below to learn which version is available for you!

Microsoft 365 Online (A1)

Available For

The Microsoft 365 Online (A1) suite is available to those with a USD email address but is limited to: 

• Contractors
• Adjunct faculty
• Part-time employees

Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3)

Available For

The Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3) is available for the following user groups:

• All USD students
• All USD employees with an ITS-issed computer enrolled in the Computer Replacement Program (CRP)
  Learn more about the Computer Replacement Program (CRP) here

Features

The Microsoft 365 Online (A1) suite includes in-browser use of the following applications:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote

Features

The Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3) suite includes the following applications for installation on your computer:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote
• Publisher (Windows only)
• Access (Windows only)

Limitations

• The Microsoft Online (A1) suite does not include local installation of the Office suite
• Users must have an Internet connect to use this suite
• Online suite has some limited features - for a complete list of limited features, please review Microsoft’s documentation

Limitations

Users with the Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3) license are able to use the installed Office suite or the Online Applications - there are no restrictions for this license.

How to Access

1. Go to Office.com
2. Log in with your USDOne credentials
3. Click an application on your choice on the left to use it in-browser

Applications missing from the side bar?  Request a license here

Need more help?  Contact the ITS Help Desk

How to Access

1. Go to Office.com
2. Log in with your USDOne credentials
3. Click "Install Office" in the upper right-hand corner

Missing the install button?  Request a license here

Need more help?  Check out our detailed install instructions here, or contact the Help Desk

Other Notes

Disabled Applications

In order to integrate with the USD technology ecosystem, some Microsoft 365 applications have been disabled.  

Microsoft OneDrive Policy

ITS DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING MICROSOFT OneDrive.  

Although OneDrive is available through your MS365 suite, all files in OneDrive are permanently deleted upon leaving or graduating from USD.  

ITS recommends using Google Drive, which remains accessible for alumni and does not delete data.  

External Resources

• Office 365 Support Center
• Office 365 Training Center

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who qualifies for Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3)?

  The Microsoft 365 Local Install (A3) suite is available for all students. 

  Additionally, it is available for any USD employee that has been issued an ITS computer enrolled in the CRP program.  This includes the following user groups:

  • All administrators
  • Most full-time, benefits-based staff
  • All tenure or tenure-track faculty

  If you are unsure if you qualify for this license, you can submit the request form here.  

• I need the Office Suite to work, but I don't qualify for the A3 license. What do I do?

  If you don't qualify for an A3 license, but you need the Office Suite to work, you can still create and edit Office documents using the Microsoft 365 Online (A1) suite!

  The online applications have slightly fewer features, and require an Internet connection to use.  However, most users will find that they meet usage needs. 

  If the Online Applications do not meet your needs, you can purchase a Microsoft Office 365 subscription through their website.  

• What features are missing from the Online Applications?

  The most commonly used features from the Microsoft 365 Local Install applications are also available in the Online Applications.  However, there are some key features that are unavailable. 

  Click here to read an ITS summary of the most notable differences.

  Click here to read Microsoft's complete feature comparison

• I used to have a Microsoft Office Local Install license, but don't anymore. Why?

  In November 2020, Microsoft changed their licensing model with USD, migrating the university to a full MS365 subscription-based environment.  As a result, some users that previously qualified for MS365 no longer qualify for the locally installed applications. 

  ITS knows this is inconvenient for affected users - that's why we have the Online Applications available for everyone at USD.  

• I'm a student or qualified employee, but I'm not able to install Office. What do I do?

  Some users might not automatically receive a license - this will most often occur with staff or PhD students.  

  If you are missing a license but you should have one, you can submit a request form from the ITS Software Order page, or you can contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.