March 30, 2026

SIU to retire People Finder, shift to Microsoft 365 tools for directory use

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Office of Information Technology will retire the custom “People Finder” directory on siu.edu for people-and-organization lookup, and shift to Microsoft 365’s built-in People Search and Org Explorer tools for Outlook and Teams. The change is scheduled for May 31, 2026.

The People Finder directory is not designed for today’s integrated work-and-learning environment. Transitioning to Microsoft 365’s built-in tools will strengthen security and privacy controls and offer additional benefits.

People Search and Org Explorer are integrated tools that help students, faculty and staff find classmates, instructors, colleagues and departments. Users can enhance basic information to create a more complete profile and search results are more current and accurate than those in People Finder.

Microsoft 365 also integrates with the apps that students, faculty and staff use daily. The integration will provide consistent experiences and support collaboration through shared files, calendars and contact cards.

No action is required — since Microsoft 365’s People Search and Org Explorer tools are available now. However, those who use People Finder heavily should begin updating their bookmarks and workflows and complete those changes before May 31.

SalukiTech can answer questions and assist with the transition. Reach out at salukitech@siu.edu or 618-453-5155.

Frequently asked questions

  • When will People Finder go away? Plan to stop using People Finder and update bookmarks by May 31, 2026.
  • Where should I search instead? Use search in Outlook and Teams and open the related profile card. You can also click a person’s name anywhere you see it in Microsoft 365.
  • How do I see reporting lines or departments? Hover over a name or open a profile card in Outlook and Teams to see a person’s role, supervisor, team and location. Use Org Explorer in Outlook and Teams to browse reporting lines and departments.
  • What if someone’s information is wrong? Profile details come from official SIU records. If a record is incorrect, contact SalukiTech for the next steps.
  • Who can be found with Microsoft 365 People Search and Org Explorer? Anyone in the campus community with a Microsoft account should be searchable.
  • Will old People Finder links still work? Replace saved People Finder links with search in Outlook and Teams, profile cards or Org Explorer. Going forward, use Microsoft 365 to find information about classmates, instructors, colleagues and departments.