Information Technology Services

3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:22:19 +0000

3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/23/2025 - 09:22

�鶹��Ƶ is updating its Microsoft 365 storage policies to ensure sustainability and security. For the most up-to-date information and full project details, see the Microsoft 365 Roadmap.

Here are some updates from Information Technology Services (ITS) about what’s changing for students, faculty, and staff.

Illustration by Getty Images

1. Unlimited storage is ending.

ITS conducted a formal review of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Microsoft 365 (M365) system storage and is implementing rolling changes. Vendors are changing their service offerings and storage pricing, no longer offering free, unlimited storage to higher ed institutions.

2. There are new storage quotas by role.

More than 90% of George �鶹��Ƶ users across OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams use under 5GB of storage. Therefore, the new quotas are designed to meet the needs of most users while encouraging better data management. New storage limits have already been implemented and vary based on your role:

Faculty and Staff: 50GB for OneDrive and Exchange; 100GB for SharePoint and Teams
Students: 50GB for OneDrive, 10GB for Exchange; 100GB for SharePoint and Teams
Part-time staff, emeritus faculty, contractors, and affiliates: Lower limits apply

To determine how much storage you are using and to better manage your data, see Managing Microsoft Storage Use.

3. Consider your data retention—and clean up!

To reduce risk and align with university and commonwealth policies, ITS is refining its data lifecycle and retention strategies in consultation with University Records Management.

It is always a good time to declutter. Keeping unnecessary data can pose security and compliance issues. Delete old, duplicate, or unused files to stay within your quota and avoid service disruptions.

Need more help?

These changes are designed to protect your data and ensure long-term sustainability for the university’s digital infrastructure. Reach out to the ITS project team, or join the Collaboration Collective on Microsoft Teams for guidance and updates.

If you would like a consultation on your storage options, request an appointment via the Data Storage Consultation Form.

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George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:42:10 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/04/2025 - 10:42

Matthew Dalton joined �鶹��Ƶ as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in May, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity leader at R1 institutions. In his new role with Information Technology Services, he will provide vision and strategy for information security at Virginia’s largest public research university.

We sat down with Dalton to learn more about today’s cybersecurity environment and how students, faculty, and staff can make sure they’re staying “cyber smart.”

Matthew Dalton, chief information security officer, �鶹��Ƶ. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

What does information security entail, particularly in a higher education setting?

One of the main responsibilities of my role is to help set the cybersecurity strategy for the university, allowing the flexibility and freedom necessary for creative, educational, and research endeavors, while preventing the negative impacts of cybersecurity events.

Information security is about managing the risk to the community, their data, and the systems they rely on, as well as the risks that are presented to the university from everyday events, malicious actors, and nation-state threats. Depending on the kind of information that a person possesses or accesses online, the threats can be very different across the university.

You have led information security at several different institutions. What drew you to a career in higher education, and specifically to �鶹��Ƶ?

You could say that higher education is in my blood. Many of my family members have worked in education. There are family stories that my great-grandparents on one side met because they taught at the same college. In my immediate family and closer generations, many of them met at the same college and went on to careers that stressed the value of education.

For me, the brightest possible future comes through education, learning about others' experiences, and using our combined experiences to find a better path forward. I think that �鶹��Ƶ is one of the best examples of that in action.

What are the biggest changes in cybersecurity in higher education since you first entered the field?

I have seen two big changes. The first is the change from believing that individual researchers or departments at a large institution should manage information security requirements on their own. These days, it takes a coordinated effort across many different parts of the university to protect the information assets effectively.

The second change is the need to bring information security closer to the individual person, rather than just the device or network that they are using. Early on, the computers were massive, and protecting the room that they were in may have been sufficient. Today, user credentials are the keys to the kingdom, and getting access to those unlocks the data that is everywhere, thanks to the cloud.

How do you work across other departments to reduce risks to the university?

With information technology embedded in everything across the university, it is essential that the security program works across the university as well. It’s more than just helping people not to click on that suspicious email; it’s about learning what they do in their role, so that the protections we put in place can complement, rather than compete with, their activities.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) factor into your role as chief information security officer?

Just like technology in general, AI is a force multiplier. You need to consider how AI can be used by people who are meaning ill intent just as effectively as it can be used by those who are trying to protect.

It is important that AI be adopted into our strategy both from a threat-modeling perspective and how to deploy better protections for the university, so that we can respond effectively and quickly against whatever attacks come our way.

How can we better protect our personal information online? What are some important things for students, faculty, and staff to do in their daily lives?

Probably the most effective way to protect yourself online is to be aware of the hectic pace of the world we live in today. Be thoughtful in your approach, especially when it comes to emails, texts, social media messages, or any other way that some entity might interact with you.

You need to stop, take time to breathe, and don't let the message dictate how frenetic a response you give. Think about whether this is a legitimate email or message, whether it's either too good to be true, or if it is trying to make you act with urgency.

Almost every scam or phishing attempt has three things in common:

The message tries to assert an authority that it may or may not have, posing as a tax collector, police, or even something like IT support.
The message offers you something of value, like winning the lottery or an unclaimed prize—or a chance to avoid pain, such as past due taxes, and threats that your account is about to be suspended.
The message holds a sense of urgency, telling you to act now, or telling you that you are actively in danger.

If it seems strange, don’t engage. Instead, report it to Information Technology Services.

Check out these other cybersecurity resources from George �鶹��Ƶ:

Security Best Practices—Information Technology Services

Strong passwords add security

Information Technology Services (ITS) News—IT Security

ITS news

Cybersecurity best practices

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Faculty and Staff News

Information Technology Services

Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence

GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

Richard Jackson is February Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:38:36 +0000

Richard Jackson is February Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 01/30/2024 - 14:38

Richard Jackson has been at �鶹��Ƶ since 1982, working first as a computer science student employee before moving to a full-time position in 1992. As a computer systems engineer in �鶹��Ƶ’s Information Technology Services (ITS), he has most notably been managing the academic/research system, mason.gmu.edu, for 30 years.

February Employee of the Month Richard Jackson with �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

A two-time �鶹��Ƶ alum, Jackson has a BS with distinction in computer science and an MS in computer science. He is known by his colleagues as a dedicated, resourceful engineer who is always willing to help others. For his team mindset, innovation, and commitment, he is recognized as the February Employee of the Month.

“Richard consistently approaches his work and work relationships with a team mentality, leading with integrity and valuing all opinions,” said Whitney Sublett, strategic operations executive coordinator in ITS. “He is innovative when troubleshooting issues, as well as when working to implement system replacements.”

“Without his dedication to this service, we would have more performance issues to deal with,” said Yu Kuo, the ITS cloud, computer, and storage engineering manager. “Because of his efforts, there have been zero system crashes or unscheduled system reboots. There are numerous examples where Richard thinks outside the box and would go look in the places that most of us don’t to figure out a solution.”

Many colleagues noted his breadth of knowledge and his resourcefulness when approaching issues.

“I’m hard pressed to think of a time when he ‘didn’t know’ an answer,” wrote Kate Orf, web applications services team lead and wCMS analyst. “But he is always willing to go off and find solutions and information to support the work of ITS.”

�鶹��Ƶ colleagues celebrate Richard Jackson, February Employee of the Month. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Emilio Goncalves, senior computer systems engineer, compares Jackson to a “wizard” when facing challenges. “Richard is a master of resourcefulness. No matter the issue, Richard has a book on his shelf or can find a link to the information that he is looking for.”

Jackson’s positive and supportive attitude was also noted by his ITS colleagues.

“Richard maintains a positive and focused attitude that energizes others to overcome barriers to change,” said Karen Gardner, director of enterprise collaboration and computing services. “He does this by engaging others to collaborate and work together toward solutions.”

Lauren Hutt, IT project manager, agreed. “Richard shows up to meetings ready to engage, which encourages others to do the same. His approach always comes across as supportive.”

“Richard creates enthusiasm by always showing up in a positive mood during meetings,” said Ethan Ervin, senior network engineer. “Richard is always willing to help and gives insightful information. Every time I’m in a meeting with him, I learn something new.”

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

My journey at �鶹��Ƶ began in fall semester 1982 as a computer science (then part of the Math Department) undergraduate—�鶹��Ƶ processed our programs (punch cards) overnight at UVA and typewriters were still heavily used in the administrative offices. I worked as a student wage programming consultant from 1983 to 1987 in the Thompson Hall terminal room. In 1991, while working on a graduate degree my graduate coordinator asked me to integrate myself with �鶹��Ƶ more. So, I left my TRW programmer contractor job to join �鶹��Ƶ Central Computing as a classified computer systems engineer in March 1992.

Best day on the job:

When I successfully troubleshoot a difficult technical issue and complete a significant effort or project.

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

My colleagues!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I hike, I've been a [Boy Scouts of America] Scouter since 2000, and I race large canoes for the Washington, D.C., DCDBC Dragonboat team.

Start your career at �鶹��Ƶ

Meet more Employees of the Month

Yali Pan is October Employee of the Month
September 26, 2025
Tyrone Johnson is September Employee of the Month
September 1, 2025
Telecia Taylor is August Employee of the Month
July 30, 2025
Jenny Chism is the July Employee of the Month
July 1, 2025
Joy Sobieralski is June Employee of the Month
June 2, 2025

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Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Information Technology Services

Rene Ayala

eander6 — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:25:47 +0000

Rene Ayala eander6 Mon, 01/24/2022 - 13:25

Information Technology Specialist level II and Linux Systems Administrator, CHHS

Contact Information

Email: rayala5@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-1846
Campus: Fairfax, Office 3803

Biography

Rene has over 18 years of experience working in Information technology in healthcare education, K-12, higher ed, publication, and corporate law. Rene is completing his undergrad in technology at New Mexico State and will attend George �鶹��Ƶ to complete his master’s. He is CompTIA A+, and JAMF certified.

Rene provides technology support (applications, databases, software, hardware, servers, desktops, and laptop devices) to Population Health Clinic (PHC), Center for Discovery Science and Health Informatics (DSHI), faculty, staff, and students.

Rene is also a professional photographer, illustrator, and experiments in film art.

Two weeks in March: How �鶹��Ƶ put more than 5,000 classes online

Colleen Rich — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 09:00:22 +0000

Two weeks in March: How �鶹��Ƶ put more than 5,000 classes online Colleen Rich Fri, 04/10/2020 - 05:00

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Online Learning

Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

Information Technology Services

coronavirus; COVID-19; News; Editorial

Campus News

Webex Teams Available to All �鶹��Ƶ Employees and Students

Lauren Reuscher — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 04:30:00 +0000

Webex Teams Available to All �鶹��Ƶ Employees and Students Lauren Reuscher Mon, 07/08/2019 - 00:30

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Webex

Information Technology Services

Adobe Shockwave Removal (Windows Only)

Lauren Reuscher — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 04:10:00 +0000

Adobe Shockwave Removal (Windows Only) Lauren Reuscher Sun, 06/16/2019 - 00:10

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

Information Technology Services

New ITS Website: Changes to Email and 2FA Login Pages

Lauren Reuscher — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 04:42:00 +0000

New ITS Website: Changes to Email and 2FA Login Pages Lauren Reuscher Sun, 03/31/2019 - 00:42

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

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Microsoft Support Ending for Windows 7 Computers

Lauren Reuscher — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 04:27:00 +0000

Microsoft Support Ending for Windows 7 Computers Lauren Reuscher Sun, 03/31/2019 - 00:27

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services

3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ

1. Unlimited storage is ending.

2. There are new storage quotas by role.

3. Consider your data retention—and clean up!

Need more help?

Topics

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Chief Information Security Officer protects the keys to the kingdom

What does information security entail, particularly in a higher education setting?

You have led information security at several different institutions. What drew you to a career in higher education, and specifically to �鶹��Ƶ?

What are the biggest changes in cybersecurity in higher education since you first entered the field?

How do you work across other departments to reduce risks to the university?

How does artificial intelligence (AI) factor into your role as chief information security officer?

How can we better protect our personal information online? What are some important things for students, faculty, and staff to do in their daily lives?

Check out these other cybersecurity resources from George �鶹��Ƶ:

Read more like this

Topics

Richard Jackson is February Employee of the Month

Meet more Employees of the Month

Topics

Rene Ayala

Contact Information

Biography

Two weeks in March: How �鶹��Ƶ put more than 5,000 classes online

Topics

Webex Teams Available to All �鶹��Ƶ Employees and Students

Topics

Adobe Shockwave Removal (Windows Only)

Topics

New ITS Website: Changes to Email and 2FA Login Pages

Topics

Microsoft Support Ending for Windows 7 Computers

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