University status

Update 14:30 Friday 13 November

Whilst the situation with Microsoft systems continues to be affecting a number of services including causing delays to email, the situation is improving and services are returning, though some users may still be having issues. Microsoft has announced there is no evidence of malicious activity associated with the incident.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update this page and SUSSED. 

Original message (8:30 Friday 13 November)

An ongoing Microsoft outage is affecting access to University email and calendars through Outlook. Messages may be delayed, and some other Microsoft 365 services may also be affected.

This may affect staff, students and anyone trying to contact the University by email. Microsoft is working to restore services.

Advice for staff and students

• For urgent communications, use another available University channel, such as a phone call or Teams, if it is working for you. Do not assume an email has been received.
• Check arrangements for today’s meetings. If you cannot access your calendar or meeting link, contact the organiser through another available channel.
• Allow for delays when contacting colleagues, students or University services.
• Keep University information secure. Do not forward work emails or documents to personal accounts or use unapproved services.
• If the disruption affects urgent work or study commitments, contact your manager, supervisor or relevant University team through another available channel.

Contacting the University

If you have emailed the University, our response may take longer than usual. For urgent enquiries, please use the telephone number on the relevant department’s webpage.

Staff and students who need urgent IT support can contact ServiceLine on +44 (0)23 8059 5656.

Further updates

Please return to this page for updates, particularly if you cannot access internal University channels. Other Microsoft 365 services may be impacted.

The University is otherwise operating as usual, including our Security and Student Life services.

Thank you for your patience.

Check our libraries website for any changes to their opening hours.

Check our Southampton Sport pages to check on any disruption to facilities and activities.

Contact our arts venues directly to check for weather disruption.

• Turner Sims
• John Hansard Gallery

If you live in halls you may experience some disruption to on-site services in the event of severe weather. If you have serious concerns, telephone the Residences switchboard on 02380595777 or contact The Student Hub.

Check operator websites for the latest information on their service status.

• Unilink
• Bluestar
• National Express
• National Rail Enquiries

For guidance on:

• disruption to services in unusual services
• employee absence due to extreme weather conditions
• arrangements relating to pay and related issues when unusual circumstances result in disruption of services

please refer to the Disruption To Services In Unusual Circumstances Policy.

Disruption To Services In Unusual Circumstances Policy

You may need to access the University computer system if you have agreed with your line manager that it is possible for you to work from home.

Southampton Virtual Environment

The easiest way to work away from campus is by using the Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE). You will have access to all your files and the most popular pieces of software. Access the Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE).

Virtual Private Network GlobalProtect

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is also available.

Our University VPN is called GlobalProtect and allows you to access some non-public University services remotely. To set up your VPN visit https://software.soton.ac.uk and search for GlobalProtect (written as one word).