Frequently Asked Questions for Mt. Vernon Staff:

• Why are we switching/changing from GroupWise to Google E-mail?
• Main reasons:
• 1 – The current GroupWise server is over seven (7) years old; it currently has some hardware issues that will incur some cost to repair it.
• 2 – Cost; purchasing a new server will cost over $8,000.  With the current budget concerns we are looking at all options for replacing the GroupWise server.
• 3 – Google Apps is also available; there are a lot of Google tools that can be used by staff and students for educational purposes.  Google Calendar, Google Web are just a few items staff will be able to access from any location (school, home, library, etc.)

• How much does it cost for Google Apps and E-mail?
• Google Apps and E-mail is completely free for K-12 school districts

• Who will have Google E-mail accounts?
• Any current staff with GroupWise accounts will have Google E-mail accounts

• Will students have Google E-mail accounts?
• Yes, we are also going to provide students in grades 6-12 e-mail accounts and access to Google Apps.  We have seen the need for students to be able to communicate to their teachers and peers in a controlled environment.  Google Apps will provide that for us.

• Will all my current and old e-mail in GroupWise be transferred to Google E-mail?
• No, we want to use this as a process to “clean-up” our e-mail system and start over with Google E-mail

• Will my contacts be copied to Google E-mail?
• No, again we want to use this process to clean-up our system.  Some users have over 500 contacts, most of which are no longer valid

• How long can I access GroupWise?
• Three Dates to Keep in mind
• 1 – GroupWise will continue to operate as normal until May 16^th at approximately 1:00 PM.
• 2 – GroupWise will be available after May 16^th but will not fully work.  It will only be able to send e-mail; it will not be able to receive e-mail.  You will have access to old/archived e-mails or contacts.
• 3 – GroupWise will not be available after December 31, 2011 (or when the GroupWise server stops functioning). 

• Will I need to change my e-mail address?
• No, your e-mail address will stay the same (Ex: joe.doe@mvcsc.k12.in.us)

• How do I access the Google E-mail?
• A web link on our staff home page will be provided

• What else will be transferred or switch to Google Apps?
• We will also transfer/switch from our current Calendar system to Google’s calendar system.  The calendar is an integral part of Google Apps and can provide links to e-mail and other systems for easy of use.
• We also hope to start moving our web pages to Google Web.