What Is WashU Box?

WashU Box is the university’s branded version of Box.com, offering secure, unlimited cloud storage and collaborative capabilities to faculty, staff, and students across all campuses. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet accessible from anywhere—on your laptop, tablet, or phone.

Key Benefits

• Unlimited Cloud Storage
  Unlike OneDrive or Google Drive, WashU Box provides unlimited space for all users.
• Secure Collaboration
  Built to comply with FERPA, HIPAA, and PHI standards, making it ideal for academic and clinical data.
• Access Anywhere
  You can upload, edit, comment on documents, and collaborate in real-time from any internet-connected device.

Core Features

• Version History & File Locking
  Automatically tracks file versions. Lock files to prevent editing conflicts when working offline.
• Box Apps Integration
  Use Box Drive, Box Edit, and Box Notes for a seamless workflow with desktop files and online editing.
• Smart Sharing Controls
  Easily adjust sharing permissions and set password-protected or link-based access.
• Search & Organization Tools
  Robust search functionality and guidance for naming folders to keep files organized.

Getting Started

1. Log in with WUSTL Key
   Visit the WashU IT site and select “Log in to WashU Box” via single sign-on.
2. Access Tutorials
   Try Box Basics (quick guide) or dive deeper with Box University courses via Box Education.
3. Download Box Apps
   Install Box Drive for desktop access; mobile apps are also available.

Best Practices

• Use Descriptive Folder Names
  e.g., “2025_Biomed_Project_Analysis” instead of generic names like “Project 1”.
• Search Instead of Navigating
  Use the search bar for faster access to files across shared folders.
• Collaborate Smartly
  Work in Box’s online Office apps collaboratively; lock desktop files when editing offline.
• Selective Offline Access
  Only sync folders when traveling or offline access is essential to save disk space.
• Avoid Problematic Characters
  Don’t use special characters like / ? < > \
  • | as they cause compatibility issues across OS.

External Sharing & Transfers

• Collaborate Externally
  Invite collaborators with any email. If they don’t have Box, they can sign up for a free personal account to access shared folders.
• Large File Transfers
  Replace lft.wustl.edu with Box. Create shared links, set access levels and optional passwords for secure.
• Graduation Transition
  Alumni retain their WashU Box access for 90 days. To keep files, co-own folders with a personal Box account and transfer ownership.

Other WashU Storage Options

WashU also provides:

• On-Premise Network Shares
  Limited quota (~5 GB), backed up regularly; more suitable for departmental data.
• RIS Research Storage
  High-performance storage (5 TB free) for research projects.

But Box remains the go‑to choice for general file collaboration and cloud-based storage .

Final Thoughts

WashU Box delivers powerful, secure, and flexible cloud storage tailored to the needs of the WashU community. Whether you’re juggling coursework, research, or departmental collaboration, its features—unlimited space, built-in compliance, real-time editing, and external sharing—make it a standout tool.

By following best practices for organization, sharing, and permissions, you can maximize efficiency, maintain security, and ensure a seamless file management experience.

FAQs

Who can access WashU Box?
All WashU faculty, staff, and students with a university email/WUSTL Key can use Box.

Is Box secure for sensitive data?
Yes—it’s compliant with FERPA, HIPAA, and PHI requirements, making it safe for confidential files .

How much storage is available?
Unlimited. Individual, departmental, and user accounts have unlimited storage capacity.

Can I share files with non-WashU collaborators?
Absolutely—use shared links or collaborator invites, and recipients can use personal Box accounts to access content.

What happens when I graduate?
You’ll have 90 days post-departure to transfer your files to a personal Box account before WashU access ends.