Microsoft 365 and Teams for Students

Owned by Kimberly Adkins
Last updated: Oct 27, 2023
4 min read

Overview

This guide will provide USF students with helpful information and resources concerning their Microsoft 365 and Teams accounts. 

Table of Content

Microsoft 365 Email

Students now receive Microsoft 365 accounts when they become admitted to USF. This means that you will have an Microsoft 365 (@usf.edu) email address, and the associated M365 services (Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, etc.). Your username and password are your NetID@usf.edu and NetID password.

Microsoft 365 Email FAQ's

 How do I access my @usf.edu email account?

You have several methods of access for your new Microsoft 365 @usf.edu account. Read below for the option that you need.

To add your account to your various devices, select the configuration option you need.

 How can I get help and training with my new email account?

We have several helpful documentation and training links below to get you started with your new email account. 

 How can I download Microsoft 365?

If you are a current student (you have started taking classes), you can download Office at http://microsoft365.com/

 I am graduating - what happens to my Microsoft 365 account?

Once you graduate, you will only retain a mailbox. For items like OneNote and OneDrive, please be sure to export these prior to graduation. The following services are only available to current students:

  • Microsoft 365 Downloads
  • Microsoft Teams
  • OneDrive
  • OneNote

Note that the list is not exhaustive, but instead represents the major areas where you store your valued content. 

Please visit the link below for assistance with moving content out of those various areas. Note that the process will require a personal Microsoft account.

Students: export a copy of your work from OneNote, Class Notebook, Teams, and OneDrive

 I am an Alumni

Alumni will retain their @usf.edu account for one year from graduation.

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Microsoft Teams

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a communication tool. Teams combines chat rooms, video/voice, file sharing, meetings, and many other features into one application. You can use Teams for meetings, virtual remote sessions, and individual/group chats. 

What can I do with Teams?

USF is using Teams to provide synchronous virtual learning experiences with your faculty. Teams is not replacing Canvas, but instead allows you to connect with your Professor during class time, or in smaller groups in a virtual remote session.

 Video Conferencing and Meetings

Microsoft Teams is a robust video chat platform. You can attend your class meetings, schedule group meetings with classmates, or create ad-hoc calls within your channels. Visit this link for more information on meetings in Teams, or watch the videos below.

 Channels, Chat and Messaging in Teams

Microsoft Teams offers a range of chat services, organized into Teams and Channels. Channels are focused conversation areas within a Team. You can also do one-to-one and small group chats as well. Review the links below for more information on using the chat features within Teams.

 File Storage and Collaboration

Teams offers a large amount of file storage, specific to each Team. Your Professor may use it to store files for the course, recordings, or any other pertinent material. As a student, you may also use this storage to collaborate with your fellow students on group assignments. You can all edit the same file, at the same time, and ensure it's always saved. Review the links below to get started.

 How can I get more training on Teams?

There is an abundance of self-guided training material and help for Teams. We have some suggested trainings below, and some useful support websites if you encounter any issues, we encourage you to review them as you have time.

Microsoft Teams Meeting Safety and Best Practices

Visit and download the guide below for best practices on conducting a Teams meeting in a safe environment.

Student Best Practices and Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

 I do not know my password - How do I reset it?

To reset your password, visit https://netid.usf.edu and follow the available instructions. 

 How do I make sure I receive all Teams notices?

Microsoft Teams does not enable many notifications by default. This has benefits and detriments, so we encourage you to be aware of this behavior. Read through the links below for information on appropriately setting your notifications.

 Why does my Teams meeting invite have a phone number?

Microsoft Teams offers dial-in conferencing. This means that for a meeting, you have the option of calling the attached phone number to enter the meeting.

 How can I mute a chat?

Sometimes the notifications can be overwhelming. To mute a chat, select the 'ellipses' and then select 'mute'.

 Is there any specific device that I need for Teams?

Teams will work on web, mobile, and PC/MAC/Linux. As for a microphone and webcam, you can use any normal headset, or webcam/microphone installed on your portable device. If you do have trouble in a meeting, visit the link below.

 Can I make my own team?

Yes - this feature is available for everyone.

Documentation

Training

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If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.