Dropbox at U-M

Dropbox at U-M is a cloud file storage option that provides automatic backup and is readily accessible from any device. U-M Dropbox is available with 5 TB of storage for individual accounts for all active faculty, staff, students, emeritus, and Type 1 sponsored affiliates at the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint, and Michigan Medicine campuses.

Dropbox at U-M includes:

  • All of the core features (e.g., storage, anytime/anywhere access to files, secure sharing, and more).
  • Advanced data protection (e.g., version history and file recovery, advanced sharing permissions, password protection, granular permissions, and more).
  • Advanced collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., Dropbox Paper, file locking, commenting, Dropbox badge, and more).

For more information on Dropbox Team Folders at U-M, refer to the Dropbox Team Folders page. 

Sensitive Data with Dropbox

Dropbox at U-M may be used with some types of sensitive university data, including Protected Health Information (PHI), according to the Sensitive Data Guide: Dropbox at U-M.

You and the university community have a shared responsibility to use U-M Dropbox appropriately with sensitive university data and take the necessary precautions.

Caution: Although storing and collaborating on documents containing PHI/HIPAA data in U-M Dropbox is allowed, caution must be taken when using the U-M Google or U-M Microsoft 365 integrations. Learn how to appropriately use these integrations if you are handling PHI, as neither service, U-M Google or U-M M365, is approved for use with PHI.
Note: Dropbox allows you to synchronize data in the cloud and on your devices. If you store and synchronize data in locations other than Dropbox cloud storage (i.e., local storage), you will also need to follow any sensitive data restrictions for the devices and storage locations to which you synchronize. Selective sync allows you to choose folders that are cloud-only. Refer to How to use Selective Sync in Dropbox for instructions on making any folders with sensitive data cloud-only. If you are interested in keeping everything online-only, refer to How to use Dropbox Smart Sync for more details.