Auto-deletion of UO Zoom recordings starts November 24

June 2, 2025

The following message was sent to all individuals with UO Zoom cloud recording access.

Auto-deletion of UO Zoom recordings starts November 24

Clearing out older Zoom files will let UO invest in storage services that serve you better.


Dear colleagues, 

This fall, we’ll take a big step forward in UO’s data storage transformation. On November 24, we will start automatically deleting Zoom recordings and transcripts more than 90 days old. This important practice is common at other universities. It will greatly reduce UO’s spending on Zoom, letting us invest in storage services that better serve the university.

What to expect starting November 24   

  • All Zoom cloud video recordings and transcripts more than 90 days old will move to the Zoom trash.
  • They’ll spend 30 days in the Zoom trash, where they can be recovered.
  • After that, they will be permanently deleted.
  • From that point on, all Zoom recordings and transcripts will go through that process as they reach 90 days old. Learn more about Zoom recording and transcript auto-deletion.

One-time “dark archive” of older Zoom recordings  

  • To ease the initial transition for faculty and staff, Information Services will create a one-time archive of all Zoom cloud recordings and transcripts on Nov. 24. We’ll steward those files through their respective retention schedules, providing access only as needed for recordkeeping purposes.
  • No action is needed before Nov. 24 unless you want to keep files for active use, such as teaching or operations. In that case, you must download the files from Zoom and save them elsewhere. Learn more about saving Zoom recordings and transcripts.
  • Many Zoom recordings don’t need to be saved, such as pandemic-era recordings of remote classes that aren’t suitable for reuse.

After Nov. 24: Action required to save Zoom files   

  • To keep any Zoom recordings or transcripts after Nov. 24, you must download the files within 90 days of creation and save them elsewhere.
  • You may need to save files to meet records retention obligations, for instructional use, or for departmental operations. Learn more about saving Zoom recordings and transcripts.

Getting Help   

Together we’re moving toward more thoughtful data management, helping ensure UO faculty, staff, and students get the greatest possible value from the university’s investments.

Sincerely,Abhijit Pandit
Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Mahnaz Ghaznavi
University Records Manager


Data Security and Records Management