[ACTIVITY POSTPONED] UAF Google Storage Limits: Starting October 1
September 4, 2026
Need Some Context?
Google ended unlimited free storage for higher education in July 2022. The University of Alaska was granted extensions to minimize user impact across all MAUs, and since early 2025 has focused on reducing its digital footprint to meet the new limits. Systems Office OIT and campus IT teams have worked together to set new storage policies, while helping users manage their data more intentionally.
On October 1, 2026, storage limits will be applied to UAF-affiliated Google Accounts. Further information will be published by the Systems Office of Information Technology (OIT), but here's the known impact on UAF:
UAF Students will be limited to 5GB total of Google Storage.
- Applies to current and future UAF students.
- Includes Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other Google Workspace services
UAF Staff and faculty will be limited to 20GB total of Google Storage.
- Applies to faculty and staff accounts created on or after October 1, 2026.
- Existing UAF faculty and staff will not receive a storage cap until the end of the Spring 2027 semester at the earliest; NTS is covering UAF’s additional storage costs until that time.
- Includes Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other Google Workspace services
Other account types will have storage based on OIT's published limits. Additionally:
- Storage exceptions can be requested for legitimate academic, research, or departmental needs.
- UAF will review its policies annually and may modify the limits during the review.
Users will be notified prior to any changes in storage limits applied to their accounts!
Some policies are still under development by OIT and will be forthcoming.
To submit an exemption request, or if you need general support managing your storage, please use our Storage Support & Exemption Request Form.
For additional information, visit the UA Google Storage Project page or contact your local IT Help Desk (UAA | UAF/SO | UAS) for support.
Thank you for your time!