Online meeting service transition to Microsoft Teams
Friday, September 25th, 2026
Boston University is transitioning to Microsoft Teams as its standard platform for online meetings, webinars, classroom collaboration, and meeting-room technology. As part of this effort, BU's Zoom platform will be retired at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, with the transition scheduled for completion on July 1, 2027.
We recognize that Zoom is an important tool for many members of our community and that this change may require adjustments over time. By consolidating collaboration services on a single platform, the University can simplify the user experience, strengthen support, improve integration across Microsoft 365 services, and avoid a significant increase in Zoom licensing costs.
No immediate action is required. Zoom will remain available throughout the transition period, and additional guidance, resources, and support will be provided well in advance of any required changes.
The communications below provide additional details for students and for faculty and staff.
Student Communication
Dear Students of Boston University,
I’m writing to share an important update regarding Boston University’s online meeting services. Over the coming year, IS&T will transition the University to Microsoft Teams as its standard platform for online meetings, webinars, classroom collaboration, and meeting-room technology. As part of this change, we will retire BU’s Zoom platform at the end of this academic year.
This consolidation will simplify collaboration, strengthen support, and create a more consistent BU experience. It also supports responsible financial stewardship by avoiding a significant Zoom license cost increase. Our planned completion date is July 1, 2027.
Microsoft Teams is already available to you (for joining meetings), as well as Google Meet (for hosting). Zoom will continue to be accessible throughout the transition period. No action is required at this time.. We will communicate well in advance of any changes that require action and provide the guidance and support needed to ensure a smooth transition.
Our FAQ/transition resource site will be updated regularly as our efforts progress. You can also expect additional communications, guidance, and opportunities for support as we move through the transition together.
For any other questions or to discuss any specific needs, please contact the IT Help Center at ithelp@bu.edu or 617-353-HELP (4357). We are here to help, and we appreciate your patience as we modernize the University’s collaboration services and work toward a simpler, more integrated experience for the entire Boston University community.
Sincerely,
Chris Sedore
Vice President, Information Services & Technology and Chief Information Officer
Faculty and Staff Communication
Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing to share an important update regarding Boston University’s online meeting services. Over the coming year, IS&T will transition the University to Microsoft Teams as its standard platform for online meetings, webinars, classroom collaboration, and meeting-room technology. As part of this change, we will retire BU’s Zoom platform at the end of this academic year.
This consolidation will simplify collaboration, strengthen support, and create a more consistent BU experience. It also supports responsible financial stewardship by avoiding a significant Zoom license cost increase. Our planned completion date is July 1, 2027.
Microsoft Teams is already available to all members of the BU community, and Zoom will remain accessible throughout the transition. No action is required at this time. We will communicate well in advance of any changes that require action and provide the guidance and support needed to ensure a smooth transition.
We know Zoom is used widely across the University in research, teaching, clinical care, public outreach, and operations. We also understand that this timeline is compact; IS&T is committed to making the transition as clear, manageable, and well-supported as possible.
Faculty who use Zoom for instruction can expect dedicated guidance to help transition courses and teaching workflows to Microsoft Teams. We are working closely with BUV, MET, and other online education stakeholders to plan for the transition. Likewise, departments that rely on webinars, meeting-room technology, or other specialized Zoom features will receive migration planning, documentation, and assistance to help ensure continuity of their services.
Our FAQ/transition resource site will be updated regularly as our efforts progress. You can also expect additional communications, guidance, and opportunities for support as we move through the transition together.
For any other questions or to discuss any specific needs, please contact the IT Help Center at ithelp@bu.edu or 617-353-HELP (4357). We are here to help, and we appreciate your patience as we modernize the University’s collaboration services and work toward a simpler, more integrated experience for the entire Boston University community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support,
Chris Sedore
Vice President, Information Services & Technology and Chief Information Officer