Cornell SharePoint site owners will receive periodic messages like the example below as a reminder to add a co-owner.

To stop the email reminders, add an owner with full control to the SharePoint site. Adding an owner may be associated with a Teams or Planner plan. Microsoft instructions for adding owners can be found in their documentation: Share a site - Microsoft Support.

Generative AI tools can surface already overshared data much the same as using a search tool can find data that the author did not intend for broad distribution. Sharepoint owners may need to respond quickly to security questions about access to the site. The presence of two owners can help ensure at least one owner is available to respond to questions about access control. Multiple site owners also provides internal continuity if one of the responsible parties is out of town or otherwise unavailable.

Retaining a site with a single owner will not result in Sharepoint site data being deleted, but the periodic reminders will continue until the two-owner condition is met.

Sample Reminder

This screenshot of an actual reminder has been edited to remove identifiable information. Note the caveat that replies to the email will not be seen or monitored.

Delete Unused SharePoint Sites

To delete unused SharePoint sites, follow Microsoft’s instructions.