October 27, 2011 | Michael Kirk

Still Time to Switch From HuskyMail to UConn Email Through Google

Students who already forward their email to Gmail should sign up for full benefits.

Gmail Webpage. The Google based mail website seen in a Firefox web browser

Gmail Webpage. The Google based mail website seen in a Firefox web browser

Gmail Webpage. The Google based mail website seen in a Firefox web browserFollowing the University’s switch from the unpopular and outmoded HuskyMail to a new student email system through Google, more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students have already moved to the new system.

Those who have not yet opted-in to the new system are being urged to do so.

“The response has been phenomenal, and we’ve seen no significant problems during the migration,” says Josh Boggis of UITS. “We are excited to see how quickly everyone has moved beyond just email to using other features of Google Apps; Google Docs and Calendaring are being used extensively, allowing the students to collaborate on a whole new level.”

Many students already have their email automatically forwarded from their HuskyMail account to a personal Gmail account. However, those students are unable to use the other Google Apps available through UConn’s Google service. Also, it is likely that HuskyMail will be entirely phased out next fall, so even students who forward their mail already are advised to make the switch.

UConn students can sign up by visiting http://google.uconn.edu. Students must opt-in.

In addition to getting all UConn email through Google, students will also have access to Google’s document sharing, calendar, chat, and voice-dialing apps.

Two of the most commonly heard complaints about the HuskyMail system were that there wasn’t enough storage capacity (50 megabytes) and the web interface was antiquated. Using Google solves both, by providing 25 gigabytes of storage and a modern interface.

According to UITS, the University has “ownership” of the data, ensuring that the privacy of students will be protected and that Google will not be able to conduct “data mining” on student accounts. Ads also will not appear.

The new Google Apps for Education is available only to students. Faculty and staff use a different email system.

Any student who runs into a problem while opting-in or using the new system should contact the UITS Help Desk at 860-486-4357 or helpcenter@uconn.edu. Students can also contact HuskyTech at 860-486-4087 or huskytech@uconn.edu.