Update on home directory (H: drive) to OneDrive migration

Information Resources & Technology has resumed the project to migrate home directories (H: drive) from on-campus storage to OneDrive, a cloud-based solution from Microsoft. OneDrive makes it easier to access your files from any device off-campus, provides automated syncing for Mac and Windows computers and advances our effort to better support flexible work. 

We are rolling this change out in phases. Here’s what you can expect and when.

OneDrive Migration Schedule

• New employees and students and anyone who has never used their home directory have been migrated to OneDrive for personal storage as of April 1. When using a Rowan-managed computer, this means your Desktop and Documents folders will automatically sync to OneDrive. The Pictures folder will also be synced on Rowan-managed Windows computers.
• Current employees who actively use their home directory will be migrated to OneDrive as their Rowan-managed computers become eligible for replacement through the Essential Device Program. This change will start on or around October 2026 and take place over several years, since computers are currently replaced every five years. All files in your home directory will be migrated to OneDrive, and we will provide additional guidance as we get closer to the start date for this phased transition.
• Students who actively use their home directory are not currently scheduled for migration.

How to Prepare for Migration

While no immediate action is required, we recommend you take the following steps to help prepare for this move if you are actively using your home directory:

• Review your home directory and remove unnecessary files: Use this opportunity to clean up files you no longer want or need. 
• Get familiar with OneDrive: With OneDrive, you can securely save and share your files from anywhere, on any device. Use these resources to get familiar with OneDrive:
  • OneDrive: Getting Started (Rowan Support Article)
  • OneDrive Help & Learning (Microsoft Support Portal)
  • OneDrive Video Training (Microsoft Support Videos)

Why Are We Moving to OneDrive?

Files currently stored in your home directory are stored on servers located on campus, and you currently have to be on campus — or connected to the Rowan VPN — to access those files. Files stored in home directories also cannot be easily shared with collaborators and, with no web interface, can be inconvenient to access from various computing devices.

The current design no longer meets the requirements of how we work, learn and teach today. So, we are transitioning to a cloud-based solution that offers more features and is capable of quickly adapting to changing demands. 

Why Not Google Drive?

We selected OneDrive as the platform for this migration as it integrates seamlessly with the Windows operating system, which the vast majority of computers on campus use.

While your home directory will eventually be moved to OneDrive, Google Drive will remain available for file storage, sharing and collaboration after this migration.