Microsoft 365 storage limits to affect DLSU-D users; ICTC urges account cleanup
Coinciding with Microsoft 365’s new cloud storage policy, DLSU-D has renewed its subscription with the software company, resulting in the reduction of storage capacity for University accounts, effective June 30, 2025.
In preparation for the change, the Information and Communications Technology Center (ICTC) is urging its users to clean up their Microsoft 365 accounts by removing non-essential files and retaining only academic-related materials, as the adjustment will reduce each user’s storage from one terabyte (TB) to 15 gigabytes (GB).
In an exclusive interview with The HERALDO FILIPINO, ICTC Director Kristina Miciano explained the reasons behind the upcoming Microsoft cloud storage reduction, citing the enforcement of Microsoft’s new storage policy and the University’s efforts to prepare users for the transition.
Storage cut, limit set
Under the new policy, all users—including students, faculty, organizations, and offices—will experience a drastic reduction in their Microsoft 365 storage allocation. This storage cap will apply not only to DLSU-D but also to all Lasallian schools and other Microsoft tenant universities.
According to Miciano, the University uses over 300 TB of storage, more than double the existing 120 TB cap that Microsoft had long overlooked but is now set to enforce.
The ICTC Director also shared that the 15 GB per user limit was introduced ahead of the policy’s full implementation to raise awareness and prompt users to clean up their accounts.
“Wala[ng] nagde-delete ng mga file[s], kaya nag-implement ng 15 GB limit para i-remove nila ‘yung mga non-academic [files],” Miciano explained.
She also clarified that a University-wide memo was released to inform users and ensure preparedness before the strict enforcement begins on June 30, 2025.
What lies ahead for DLSU-D users
Miciano also explained that the 20 TB expansion of DLSU-D’s storage from its initial 100 TB capacity came from the decision to shift from a free A1 license to a licensed Microsoft 365 plan three years ago.
Despite the upgrade, no additional fees were charged to students, as the cost is already covered by the existing internet connection fee. Consequently, there will be no reduction in tuition fees following the decrease in storage capacity.
Miciano clarified that the 120 TB is shared across all University users —including student organizations, faculty, and offices—which means everyone will be affected by the change.
While the 15GB cap is now visible on user accounts, she noted that no files have been deleted so far, and the University has not received clear feedback from Microsoft regarding what happens when users exceed the limit.
She emphasized that if any files are removed, it would be Microsoft, not the University, that would carry out the deletion.
To avoid potential data loss, Miciano advised users to manage their files proactively and not wait for automatic deletions.
Beyond the University’s control
Miciano stressed that the decision to reduce storage was made by Microsoft and is beyond the University’s control.
While the ICTC continues to explore possible alternatives, she admitted that no viable solutions are currently available.
“We are looking for it positively. Lahat ng application and usages is nand’on pa rin, magkakaroon lang ng limit sa capacity,” the ICTC Director stated, further noting that the 15GB cap is not final and may still change depending on Microsoft’s future policies.
