Due to changes in CSU’s Microsoft licensing contract, retirees and emeriti no longer have the option to download and use Microsoft (M365) Office as of March 31, 2022. This includes the option to download Office for up to 5 computers and free access to desktop versions of M365 Office applications.
The change applies to desktop versions of M365 Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (CSU email), Access, Publisher, Skype for Business and OneNote, as well as Office Mobile applications for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on iOS and Android.
Note for emeriti: If a user was an emeritus and had a downloaded copy of Office as of 12/31/2021, they will continue to have access to the desktop versions of M365 Office applications for 3 years (Jan 2022 – Jan 2025). If a user was set as emeritus after 01/01/2022 (or did not have a downloaded copy prior to 12/31/21) they will not have the option to download Office.
Notice to Activate Microsoft365 Subscription
When opening the desktop versions of Word, Excel, Outlook, or any other Office application, you may see a notice that your subscription has expired or to buy, renew, or reactivate your Microsoft 365 subscription. Examples of the notices you might see are below.
Options for Accessing M365 Office Applications
Access to browser-based versions of M365 Office applications will still be available; only downloaded desktop versions are impacted. To access the browser versions, navigate to portal.office.com. When prompted, log in using your eID/NetID in the format of ename@colostate.edu or NetID@colostate.edu along with your eID/NetID password.
You can also purchase a personal Microsoft 365 subscription to download desktop and mobile versions of the full suite of Microsoft Office applications.
Questions?
Please reach out to your CSU IT support contact. If you are unsure of who your support contact is, contact the Central IT Help Desk at help@colostate.edu or (970) 491-7276.