Microsoft 365: Getting Started

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 (M365) is Michigan Medicine's preferred platform for secure, integrated, cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools. It combines familiar Office applications with communication, file storage, security, and device management capabilities.

Core Productivity Apps

Word – Create and edit documents.
Excel – Analyze data, create spreadsheets, charts, and reports.
PowerPoint – Build presentations and slide decks.
Outlook – Manage email, calendars, contacts, and tasks.
OneNote – Capture notes, research, and meeting information.

File Storage & Content Management

OneDrive – Personal cloud storage and file sharing.
SharePoint Online – Team sites, document management, intranet portals, and content collaboration

Collaboration & Communication

Teams – Chat, meetings, calling, webinars, and team collaboration. (Getting Started Guide)
Forms – Create surveys, quizzes, and polls.
Lists – Stay on top of it all with Lists. Work with anyone, anywhere, to better organize events, issues, and assets.
Loop – A cloud-based collaboration platform that enables real-time teamwork through shared spaces and pages.
Whiteboard – A free-form digital canvas that enables real-time collaboration, visual planning and creative brainstorming across devices and platforms.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

M365 Copilot Chat – AI-powered assistance integrated into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and other M365 services to help draft content, analyze data, summarize meetings, and automate workflows

Automation & Low-Code Solutions

Power Automate – Workflow automation across Microsoft and third-party applications.

Power Apps – Build custom business applications with low-code tools.

Power BI – Business intelligence, dashboards, and analytics

Business/Other Tools

Planner – Plan an event, track a process, publish content, and support customers.
Visio – Create detailed flowcharts, complete with shapes and connectors, text, pictures, and tables.
Clipchamp – A web-based video editing platform designed to simplify video creation for beginners, educators, businesses, and content creators.
Bookings – An online appointment scheduling tool that integrates with Outlook to simplify booking, staff management, and calendar coordination

Identity, Security & Device Management

Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) – Identity and access management, including single sign-on.
Intune – Mobile device and application management.

Eligibility

All Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, and students automatically gain access to a robust set of M365 tools. Ways to use M365 applications:

Access desktop applications on supported CoreImage Windows and CoreMac computers
Access apps on iOS and Android mobile devices with Intune
Access apps from the web: m365.cloud.microsoft.com

Benefits

M365 provides a modern, cloud-based productivity platform that helps employees work more efficiently, collaborate in real time, and securely access files, email, and applications from anywhere. By combining tools such as Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, M365 improves communication, streamlines business processes, enhances security, and supports remote and hybrid work environments. It also includes AI-powered capabilities through Microsoft Copilot to help everyone save time and increase productivity.

Access/Installation Instructions

CoreImage Windows Computers: Many applications are already downloaded onto the device, search from the Start menu.

CoreMac Computers: Many applications are already downloaded onto the device, search from Finder.

Mobile Devices: Requires Mobile Device Management (Intune). Then, download desired apps (Teams, Outlook, SharePoint) from the Company Portal app.

Web (Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser recommended):

On a personal device (BYO), consider using:
Outlook Virtual App (OVP) – if you only need to access Outlook email or calendar.
Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) – if you need access to a fuller set of tools including Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, MiChart and many related apps.

Additional Resources

Training - Learn more about M365 and how to make the most of its many capabilities.
Visit the U-M Safe Computing's Sensitive Data Guide to review what types of information are approved for use in Michigan Medicine's M365 environment.
Join the Microsoft 365 Community of Practice to share and learn more about tips, best practices, and new features and capabilities.

FAQs

What are the M365 data retention policies?

Outlook email and calendar data: 2 years from send date
Microsoft Teams (messages/posts) 1 year from send date

Can I use M365 to collaborate with partners outside Michigan Medicine?

Yes. Here's how: Collaborating with People Outside Michigan Medicine

Can I use M365 on mobile devices, including personal (BYO)?

Yes, but you'll need to have Mobile Device Management (MDM) software installed first.

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