All you need to know about McMaster's licensing agreement with Microsoft and how it affects you.
At McMaster University, our partnership with Microsoft empowers students, staff, faculty, and community members with licenses to access to a comprehensive suite of applications and services. These licenses ensure you have everything you need to succeed, all in a secure environment.
A Microsoft license provides access to a suite of tools and services that enhance productivity and collaboration. At McMaster, community members receive either an A1 or A5 license based on their role.
These are the Microsoft 365 applications available to community members based on A1 & A5 license type.
*NOTE: These new licenses will take effect summer 2025.
McMaster University provides free access to Microsoft 365 for all students, staff, and faculty members.
Simply log in with your MacID@mcmaster.ca email and password to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more!
Nearly all Mcmaster staff, faculty and employees now have complimentary access to Microsoft Power BI Pro. Access Power BI Pro in your Microsoft app tray or click the link: Access Power BI Pro. Not sure if you have Pro? In Power BI, click the ‘Account Manager’ button in the top-right corner of the page. Under ‘License Type’, you’ll see ‘Pro.’
Note: Graduate/Undergraduate students are not eligible for a Power Bi Pro license.
Yes, you can still access files stored locally on your computer!
First, visit the new Microsoft 365 Hub. This is where all of your files and apps are centrally located.
Accessing locally stored files is easy. There are two ways to do so:
1) Open the Office app (such as Word) on Microsoft 365.
Select “Create blank document”, click “File”, then choose “Open Files from this device” and browse to your personal files. Pop-ups must be enabled in the internet browser.
2) Or, select the “Upload a file” button and browse to your personal files. The file will be uploaded and open in a separate tab.
The file, either one you create from your online apps or one you upload from your device, will be automatically saved to your OneDrive storage. In the new Microsoft 365 Hub, files autosave as you work on them.
Accessing OneDrive is easy! First, navigate to the new M365 Hub, then select ‘apps.’ There, you’ll find all your applications at a glance, including OneDrive.
Although A1 users cannot access Microsoft Bookings, A1 users can still be ‘added’ to a Group Booking page.
If your team/department/faculty/group uses Microsoft Bookings, you can still be added as a “bookable” person and assigned meetings, etc.
Yes! If you have a standard (A1) license and require a different license, you can request an upgrade. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval.
1) Click the link below to access the request form. 2) When the form opens, select the following option: “I have a standard, web-based license (A1) and would like to request a license upgrade (requires manager approval).”
Microsoft License Upgrade Request Form
For any further questions or assistance, please reach out to the UTS service desk.