Service overview
Files stored on McGill's network (central file servers) are backed up regularly. In the event of accidental data loss, files stored on the network can be restored from the backup server to the appropriate network drive on your computer, as described below.
Departmental file storage for work purposes:
Administrative units are allocated a fixed amount of file storage space on one of McGill's central file servers. Departmental storage space is also referred to as the "departmental share," since many departments may have a share of one large disk space (aka "volume"). On your own work computer, your department's shared files are usually stored on the G:\ drive, and your own work-related files on the F:\ drive. Note: Not all departments will use this drive letter convention.
Network file storage for personal use:
Faculty and staff are given 1GB for their personal use including personal web pages, usually on the R:\ drive. If employees move to another McGill department, their personal files on the R:\ drive remain with them, whereas their work-related files (on F:\ and G:\ drives) stay with the department.
Students are given 200 MB of personal storage space, mapped to the P:\ drive on campus computers.
TIP: Use OneDrive for personal file storage
Students, faculty and staff also have access to OneDrive cloud file storage, which provides 1 TB of storage space for personal use. See OneDrive (cloud file storage). OneDrive is the recommended service for your personal file storage needs.
The use of personal file storage (on the McGill network or in OneDrive for Business) is subject to McGill's Policy on the Responsible Use of McGill IT Resources.
Who can use it
McGill faculty, staff have access to departmental shared drives for work-related files, as well as 1 GB of personal storage space.
Students have access to a personal drive on the network with a small (200 MB) amount of storage space. For students, we strongly recommend using OneDrive (cloud file storage) for your personal file storage needs.
How to request & access the service
Requesting additions or changes for file storage
- Units that have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with IT Services can submit the request form for new departmental shares, or changes to existing departmental shares: Departmental Shared Folder
- Units that do not have an SLA can also request departmental storage at a cost. Please contact the IT Service Desk.
- An increase to the personal storage "R:\" drive is only available to researchers. Please contact the IT Service Desk.
Accessing network files
All users need a McGill Username and McGill Password to access work and personal network drives.
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Accessing departmental network files (staff)
On campus: Departmental LAN administrators set up access to network drives (work-related files) such as F:\ and G:\ for staff members on their McGill-managed computers.
Off campus: See Access departmental files from off campus
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Accessing personal network files (students and staff)
On campus: When you log onto a McGill-managed computer with your McGill Username and McGill Password, you have access to your work and/or personal network drives in My Computer.
Off campus: See Access your McGill personal network file storage from on or off campus.
Cost
There is no cost for the default allotment of storage space (both personal and departmental) for units that have a Service Level Agreement with IT Service - Customer Support.
For researchers who wish to increase their personal storage, there is a one-time fee of $40/GB with a FOAPAL and $60/GB with client ID.
Availability
The service is available 24 X 7, except during planned maintenance or outages. Check the home page of the IT Support site for announcements regarding service interruptions.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I access files on my personal drive when on or off campus?
- How do I access my departmental files from off campus?
- Will I be able to access my personal network file storage (R drive) after I stop working at McGill?
Best practices & policies
For tips on efficient file storage and management, see Best practices for file storage at McGill.
Training & documentation
None available
Support
Contact the IT Service Desk