Email and Workspace Changes FAQ

Subject: 

Email and Workspace Changes FAQ


Environment:
Fresno State University - Google


Article Summary: Information about email and workspace changes, as well as the frequently asked questions.


Email Account Life cycle

As part of Fresno State’s Email Account Life cycle Standards, the University reviews accounts to ensure security, compliance with CSU policies, and responsible use of University resources. When an individuals active affiliation ends (such as graduation, separation from employment, or retirement), their Fresno State email account moves through defined life cycle phases. These phases may include changes to Google Workspace access, a transition to email-only access (Gmail), and eventual account retirement and archiving.

Active students, faculty, staff, and emeritus are not affected while their affiliation with the University remains active. Please review the Account Retention Standards to understand how long email access is retained and what actions may be needed.

 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

When does my access to my account end?

 Account access time lines depend on your affiliation with the University (student, employee, affiliate).  Please review our Account Retention Standards for details on retention periods and exact transition dates.  

   

Why have I been notified that my account access is changing?

You received this notice because your active affiliation with Fresno State has ended, and your account is approaching a scheduled change under the Email Account Life Cycle Standard. These actions support University security, responsible resource use, and licensing compliance. Advance notice is provided so you can prepare.  

   

When do I lose access to my Fresno State account?

Retention periods vary by role. Please consult the Account Retention Standardsfor the schedule that applies to you.  

   

How can I transfer data out of my Google Drive?

Step-by-step instructions are in our KB article:  Transfer data out of your Google account.  Follow that guide to export or copy files before your transition date.  

   

What if I was mistakenly identified for account deactivation?

If you believe you were mistakenly identified by this process and you have an active affiliation with the university, please submit a service request at the link below. (replace placeholders with your catalog links).  

 

What if I am returning to the university as a student or employee?

Returning Students

If you have applied or enrolled back at Fresno State, please contact the Admissions Office to verify your status with the university. View the Admissions contact page here

Returning Employees
Reach out to your department contact or manager to request an email reactivation/account conversion.

  

What happens to the data on my account?

Storing and securing data cannot be guaranteed beyond transition dates. The campus periodically removes data from expired accounts. Please use the migration tools linked above to retain any data you need before the transition.  
 

 

I was under the impression I could keep my account indefinitely. What changed?

Google Workspace licensing and costs have changed in recent years. Maintaining accounts for all former affiliates has become unsustainable. To responsibly manage licensing, security, and support, Fresno State is limiting continued access for non-affiliates.  

   

Are there Google storage limits?

Yes. Storage quotas vary by affiliation and are described in the  Account Retention Standards.  

   

What should I do to check and clean up my storage?

For guidance, refer to this Google drive help: Clean up Google storage. Common steps include removing large files, emptying Google Drive trash, and deleting unneeded Gmail messages with large attachments.  

   

How can I let people know I’m no longer using my school email?

You can set an automatic reply and update your signature to inform contacts you are no longer using your Fresno State email:    

 

Who is considered emeritus?

Emeritus/Emerita/Emeriti status is an honorary title awarded at retirement to recognize distinguished service to the university and is granted at the discretion of the President, not as a right.

Nominations must demonstrate meritorious service and follow established review procedures, and the title is typically conferred annually at commencement. Emeritus status may be denied or revoked for serious misconduct, but otherwise provides continued affiliation with the university, recognition, and defined privileges. A retiring individual may be considered if they fall into one of these groups:

  1. Instructional faculty

    • Normally tenured Professors

    • In exceptional cases, tenured Associate Professors

  2. Lecturers (exceptional cases)

    • Part-time or full-time lecturers with a three-year contract

  3. Librarians

    • Normally tenured Librarians

    • In exceptional cases, tenured Associate Librarians

  4. Student Services Professionals (SSP-AR only)

    • Normally SSP-AR III with tenure

    • In exceptional cases, SSP-AR II with tenure

  5. Academic administrators

    • Those who:

      • Hold a concurrent tenured faculty position (Professor or, exceptionally, Associate Professor), or

      • Are members of the Academic Assembly and hold an Administrator III or IV appointment under the Management Personnel Plan

 

For further information, read the policy below:

POLICY ON EMERITUS/EMERITA/EMERITI STATUS

 

What if I need a temporary reactivation?

 

If you need temporary access to retrieve data/emails from your Fresno State email, please contact the Technology Services Service Desk to submit the request.  Their contact info is below.

Phone:
(559) 278-5000

Location:
Bottom floor of the USU room 25D

Hours: 
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Walk-In Hours M-F
7:30 AM - 6:30 PM


Additional Information:

Need additional information or assistance?   You may also visit TechVisor (an AI chatbot) on the bottom right of the page or call the Service Desk at 559.278.5000.  for additional help.  


TAGS: Google, Gmail, account