Microsoft Sensitivity Labels are a data protection and classification feature within the Microsoft 365 suite licensed to students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM). They allow users to label documents, emails, and other content based on the level of sensitivity—such as public, internal, or confidential—to help ensure that information is handled appropriately. These labels can automatically or manually apply protections like encryption, access restrictions, and visual markings, helping safeguard sensitive university data. Sensitivity Labels are integrated across Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint, enabling consistent data protection whether content is created, shared, or stored. As part of UWM’s Microsoft 365 environment, Sensitivity Labels provide a secure, policy-driven approach to protecting institutional and personal information across devices and collaboration platforms.
Features
- Data Classification for University Information – Apply labels such as Sensitive and Restricted to clearly identify the sensitivity of documents and emails, helping UWM staff handle data appropriately.
- Built-In Encryption and Protection – Automatically encrypt sensitive files and emails, restricting access to authorized individuals and protecting university data even when shared externally.
- Consistent Protection Across Microsoft 365 – Use sensitivity labels within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint to ensure consistent data protection across all tools staff use.
- Automatic Labeling Based on Content – Detect sensitive information (e.g., personal or financial data) and apply labels automatically, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of errors.
- Visual Markings for Awareness – Add headers, footers, or watermarks (e.g., “Confidential – UWM Only”) so staff can quickly recognize the level of sensitivity of a document or email.
- Policy Enforcement and Compliance Support – Help ensure compliance with UWM policies and regulatory requirements by enforcing rules for sharing, storing, and accessing sensitive information.
Available To
Faculty, staff, and students
Get Started
- Microsoft 365 – Sensitivity Labels
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Apply sensitivity labels to your files and email
UWM currently has two labels for use, they are:
- Sensitive – Documents, emails, etc. labeled as sensitive can be shared outside of the UWM as long as the outside user is authenticated.
- Restricted – Documents, emails, etc. labeled as restricted cannot be shared outside of UWM.