Using Google Drive for File Storage

Using Google Drive for File Storage

Using Google Drive for file storage is an accepted solution for DGH staff and faculty and is supported by the Google Workspace that is managed via UW IT.

Use Your NetID as a Google Account

To provision your NetID as a Google account,
  1. Go to https://uwnetid.washington.edu/manage/?google
  2. Activate the service
  3. When you visit any Google service, such as Google Drive or Google Meet, enter your UW email as the account name and you will be forwarded to the UW login page.

Using Google for Authentication

It is also possible to use your UW Google account for authentication on any service that provides integration with Google logins. 
If you are trying to use a service that provides a Google login (see example image below):





  1. Click on the Google icon 
  2. Enter your UW email as the login
  3. You will be forwarded to the UW login page
If you do this, you will not need to store a specific password for this website or service, and can log in using only your UW NetID.


Recommendations for Google Accounts


Use Shared Drives for Collaboration

It is recommend using a Shared Drive for this collaboration, because that will ensure that the files can more easily be shared with others or have their ownership transferred. Shared Drives must be requested via UW IT via a request form: Google Shared Drive Service Offering. Once created, you will be able to add additional collaborators.

Sharing with Non-UW Accounts

The UW Google accounts are allowed to share files and folders with any Google account, including other organizations using Google or personal Gmail accounts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are sharing data appropriately, and you should use caution when adding non-UW accounts as collaborators on any UW data.

Data Privacy and Retention for UW Google

Google Drive is an appropriate location for files related to your work that you want to store, share, or collaborate on, including restricted, confidential, and FERPA-protected data. It is not approved for HIPAA-protected information. Currently the only generally available platform for storing data that is subject to HIPAA restrictions is OneDrive for Business.


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