UBIT TOP PROJECTS

Project Description

Since 2009, UB alumni have had the ability to opt in to continue using their UBmail accounts after graduation. As of May 2025, University Advancement and Alumni Services are working with UBIT to retire access in order to meet requirements.

Starting in May 2025, new graduates will keep their UBmail for six months post-graduation. More than 50,000 alumni accounts will ultimately be retired as the project unfolds going into 2026.

Alumni UBmail Retirement

UB graduates at commencement.

UB graduates at commencement. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Project Fast Facts

  • Project Manager: Kari Costelloe
  • Alumni email accounts to retire: More than 50,000

Executive Sponsors

  • Kathleen S. Heckman, Vice President, Division of University Advancement
  • Heath Tuttle, Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Phase one

May 2025 graduates will lose UBmail access six months from graduation (December 2025). In Spring 2025, notifications were sent to the class of 2025 through direct emails, e-newsletters and social media.

Phase two

Alumni who have graduated prior to May 2025 will be notified that their UBmail account access will be phased out starting in Spring 2026. Alumni will receive advance notice before their email is retired, including mailed postcards for those who may not check their UBmail regularly. The process will be carried out carefully to provide several months’ notice to alumni.

Why this is happening

  • Cybersecurity concerns: UBmail for alumni is being retired to meet SUNY 6900 cybersecurity standards and reduce risk to the university.
  • Cost impact: Maintaining legacy email services for thousands of alumni comes at a high cost to the university.
  • National trend: Many universities are moving away from lifelong email access for graduates.