UH expands Microsoft 365 access while cutting costs

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Students, faculty, and staff across the University of Hawaiʻi's 10 campuses now have access to Microsoft 365 completely free of charge, expanding essential technology resources while delivering greater value through a new systemwide agreement.

Supported by UH's Strategic Initiative Fund, the new Microsoft@UH service provides access to and app downloads for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive cloud storage, and Microsoft Copilot Chat, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps users summarize information, brainstorm ideas, create content and analyze data, along with many other applications and services.

"This is exactly what we mean by creating a Common Standard of Care across our 10 campuses," said UH President Wendy Hensel. "Every student and employee deserves access to the tools and technology they need to succeed, regardless of which campus they attend or work at. By leveraging the strength of our university system, we are expanding opportunities, making smarter use of public resources and preparing our students for success in the workforce."

The expanded access gives students hands-on experience with software widely used by employers across industries. Developing proficiency in these tools will help students build practical skills that translate directly to the workplace.

More access for the same cost

The agreement qualifies UH for Microsoft's second-highest discount tier, reducing licensing costs to the university by approximately 14%. This allows UH to provide Microsoft 365 at no cost to all eligible students, faculty and staff for about the same cost previously spent on limited faculty and staff coverage.

"By approaching technology investments as one university system, we're able to stretch our resources further and deliver better services across all 10 campuses," said Brad Christ, UH Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.

Microsoft@UH is available immediately to active UH faculty, staff and credit students via Microsoft@UH using their UH email address. Email services remain on Google@UH Gmail.

More technology improvements underway

Other key IT projects supporting UH's Common Standard of Care initiative include:

• Faster Wi-Fi: A $5 million investment will install or replace nearly 3,900 wireless access points across all UH campuses by late summer 2027. Thanks to a 40% systemwide discount, the extra savings will allow coverage to be expanded even further.
• Free GitHub Enterprise access: Complimentary access to the industry-leading software development platform for students and staff to host, manage and collaborate on software projects, documentation, and digital assets.