Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a set of cloud-hosted (online) and desktop applications that allow you to work and collaborate anywhere from any device.  

Vendor documentation is not controlled by Towson University. TU-specific documentation is reviewed and updated quarterly. 

Current TU students, faculty and staff get Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Forms, To Do, etc.) at no cost. To see all apps available through your TU account, sign in and click the "Apps" icon on the sidebar.

New Look

Changes to Microsoft 365 homepage

Microsoft has updated the look of their homepage. When logging into your TU M365 account, you'll notice a different layout that features Microsoft Copilot Chat by default.

Where are your apps?

To see your Microsoft applications like Word, Excel etc., click the Apps icon on the left side. You can pin frequently used apps to the left side menu by clicking the three dots and selecting pin. You can still directly log into OneDrive at onedrive.towson.edu and Outlook at outlook.towson.edu.

Access Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 (M365) allows you to access and share documents from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. You must have an active TU NetID, and if prompted, you'll use Duo Multi-Factor Authentication when accessing M365 services. Student NetIDs remain active until 18 months after the last semester attended. See how to log into your M365 account.

Self-Help Resources

M365 Home

On your Microsoft 365 home page (m365.towson.edu), search and manage your account and install apps on devices: select your photo/initals icon and then select View account.

Get an overview of Microsoft 365 or watch an Introduction to Microsoft 365 in LinkedIn Learning (sign in required). Use the Microsoft resources on this page or search the TechHelp Knowledge Base for articles specific to TU.

Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat is an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for boosted creativity and productivity. Use Copilot Chat to upload/create files, ask questions and collaborate on AI content.

TU's current Microsoft license includes the general Copilot Chat AI assistant ("Microsoft Copilot"), but not the version of Copilot embedded within Office apps ("Microsoft Copilot for M365").

Excel

Excel is a spreadsheet application and a powerful documentation, data visualization and analysis tool.

Forms

Forms is an easy-to-use online builder for creating quizzes, signups and short surveys. If you are collecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or need a form for the TU website, see Requesting Electronic Forms.

Lists

Lists is a database for organizing, tracking and sharing information on events, issues, assets and more. Create lists from scratch, Excel, existing lists or templates.

OneDrive

OneDrive is a cloud-based service for storing, protecting and sharing your files from anywhere on any device. Plus, your files are always backed-up and easy to get to.

OneNote

OneNote is a digital notebook app for taking notes and organizing research, plans and information.

Outlook

Outlook is TU's email and calendar service. Send and receive email messages, track tasks, and manage calendars and contacts. Compare the two Outlook options:

Outlook on the Web

This online version is similar to the desktop version and provides the same experience on across computers/browsers.

Outlook for Windows and Mac

This desktop version has additional features compared to Outlook on the Web and it needs to be installed on personal desktops.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a slideshow creation and presentation tool, flexible enough to also handle simple page layout and flyer/poster design.

SharePoint

SharePoint is a document managment and information sharing tool. Departments, groups and project teams can use it to share files, data, news, calendars, task lists and other resources with team members in different locations, across all devices. SharePoint File Share is available for group only needing file management and sharing capabilities. 

To Do

To Do is a task management tool that can be use within Outlook or as a standalone application. Manage your lists of one-time and recurring tasks, schedule reminders to stay on top of assignments.

Word

Word is a visual text processing and document creation application that allows for collaboration, sharing and editing. 

Additional Support