Technology has given us the ability to perform professional and personal tasks from anywhere at any time. As a result, people often have personal data on University-owned devices and systems and vice-versa. When a person leaves Penn, this mixing of data is problematic for both the University and individuals. Departments may find themselves losing data that is vital to ongoing business operations. Individuals often discover they have lost personal data stored on University-owned devices and systems. 

It is best to always keep personal and professional data separate. Maintain separate email and data storage for personal use and only use Penn email and data storage for University data. When creating accounts for personal use, it’s best to use a personal email account instead of your University email address.  

Prior to leaving Penn, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Do not assume any personal data on University systems will remain accessible or be retained indefinitely.
• Your access to virtually all University applications will end when you leave Penn and you will no longer be able to access any data in those applications.
• Remove any personal emails from a University email account by exporting them to your personal computer or transferring them to a personal email account.
• You should consult the IT support staff in your school or center well in advance of your separation.
• With few exceptions, your University email account will be disabled and eventually deleted.
• Your PennKey will not be authorized to access most University resources such as Penn+Box.

For more information on how to separate your personal and professional data or to prepare for leaving the University, contact the IT support staff of your school or center.  If you are unsure who to contact, see: http://isc.upenn.edu/get-it-help

For additional tips, see the One Step Ahead link on the Information Security website: www.upenn.edu/computing/security/