Information Technology Services > Microsoft 365 Licensing Waterfall Update, 11/4

Microsoft 365 Licensing Waterfall Update, 11/4

Please see the following scheduled Information Technology Services (ITS) maintenance process:

Start Date: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026

Start Time: 5 p.m.

End Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026

End Time: 6 a.m.

The Microsoft 365 licensing waterfall determines which Microsoft 365 license is assigned when an individual has multiple WSU affiliations. As part of this update, employee affiliations will take precedence over student affiliations when Microsoft 365 licenses are assigned.

This employee-first licensing model better aligns license assignments with an individual’s primary university role and ensures users receive the most appropriate Microsoft 365 license available based on their affiliations.

Licensing Waterfall Changes

Current Waterfall Order:

  1. Enrolled Student
  2. Student Affiliate
  3. Graduate Assistant
  4. Faculty
  5. Administrative Professional
  6. Civil Service
  7. Non-Student Affiliate
  8. Hourly Employee
  9. Courtesy Employee
  10. Matriculated Student

New Waterfall Order (Effective Nov. 4):

  1. Faculty
  2. Administrative Professional
  3. Civil Service
  4. Enrolled Student
  5. Student Affiliate
  6. Graduate Assistant
  7. Matriculated Student
  8. Non-Student Affiliate
  9. Hourly Employee
  10. Courtesy Employee

The following support articles offer complete lists of WSU licensing groups and their corresponding Microsoft 365 license assignments:

Expected Impact

Approximately 200 individuals with multiple WSU affiliations are expected to receive a different Microsoft 365 license assignment following implementation. Although no loss of Microsoft 365 access is expected for these users, a brief interruption in license assignment processing is possible during the maintenance window while new affiliation rules and licensing assignments are reevaluated.

ITS does not anticipate a reduction in Microsoft 365 access as a result of this change. The updated waterfall is expected to maintain existing access levels or provide access to additional Microsoft 365 services and capabilities when permitted by an individual’s affiliations.

ITS will communicate directly with individuals whose license assignment is expected to change. No action is required from affected users or your teams.

Questions? Please contact Crimson Service Desk at crimsonservicedesk@wsu.edu or 509-335-4357.