Microsoft 365 - Getting Started with the Global Address List (GAL)
How do accounts get included in the Global Address List?
They get created and licensed for Microsoft 365.
How do I access the Global Address List?
You can access the GAL from the People App in Outlook on the web or from the Address Book in the Outlook Desktop App on your computer.
How is the Global Address List used?
Any search function, such as looking up an address when composing a message or subscribing to a calendar, uses the GAL to search against.
How long will changes made to accounts within the Global Address List take to appear?
After a change is made, it may take up to 24-48 hours for those updates to be reflected in the GAL. Depending on the client (Outlook desktop client) you're using, you may see the modifications sooner.
Are there accounts, either by policy or design, that are hidden in the Global Address List?
Yes.
What accounts are hidden in the Global Address List?
- Students with any FERPA enabled. Learn more.
- Service accounts are hidden by default, however this can be managed by domain/authorized admins. Learn more.
- Faculty and staff that are not paid through UW-Madison central payroll.
- Former students.
What accounts are shown in the Global Address List?
- Faculty and staff paid through UW Madison central payroll (including zero dollar appointments).
- Students enrolled in the current term/semester that do not have FERPA enabled.
- Anyone with an emeriti status.
- Microsoft 365 Groups.
- Resource (room, equipment, vacation calendars, etc.) accounts.
- Service accounts which are visible in the Global Address List - these are controlled by authorized or domain administrators.
What should I do if my account is hidden in the Global Address List?
- If you are not a current student or faculty/staff that is paid through UW Madison central payroll, contact the DoIT Help Desk and provide them with the reason why you believe you should be visible.
- If you are a current student, check your FERPA status first. If any flags are enabled, remove them to be shown in the GAL. Learn more.
- If the account is a service account, contact your domain administrator for assistance.
Internal Notes
HD Staff: If customer is questioning their visibility (they are currently hidden), confirm they have no FERPA flags set on their account. If they do not have any FERPA flags, please gather all necessary M365 information and escalate the case to M365 team.If they are a student, there is nothing we can do for them. They have two options:
- Option 1 - remove all FERPA flags and wait 24 hours to confirm this change has synced to M365
- Option 2 - ask the owner of the group to add this user via https://kb.wisc.edu/office365/internal/91472.
PCS support staff
If a case gets escalated to our team for a user who is faculty/staff (not a student) and they are asking about GAL visibility, then review internal process.