How to Create a New SharePoint Site

Issue/Question

How do I create a SharePoint Site in Microsoft 365?

Environment

SharePoint is a Microsoft 365 product designed for helping users store, link and share data with individuals or groups. SharePoint can be used as collaboration hub for people both internal and external to Bowdoin.

Resolution

Creating a SharePoint site can be accomplished by completing the following steps:

1. In a browser, navigate to login.bowdoin.edu
2. Select the Microsoft 365 tile.
3. Select SharePoint from the list of applications in the Microsoft 365 homepage.
4. In the SharePoint workspace, click the "Create site" button located in the upper left corner of the site ribbon.
5. Select the type of site you wish to create, a "Teams" site or a "Communication" site. Please read the summary of each before continuing:
   • Teams site: This is a private site designed to collaborate with people inside and outside of our organization. Best used when a group of people need to connect, work together and share data.
   • Communications site: A public site, serving content and open to the entire organization. Best used for broad communications to a large audience. 
6. Start filling in for Site name to open up additional options for the site build, option descriptions and example image are found below:
   • Site name - The display name of your site.
   • Group email address - Each site is associated with a Microsoft 365 group. This will be the alias of the email address. It is best practice to keep site name and email address the same (minus spaces).
   • Site address - This will be the direct URL to your sharepoint site. It is best practice not to modify the site URL.
   • Sensitivity - Currently on the the Bowdoin road map, we will be releasing labels allowing you to classify site data sensitivity.
   • Privacy - Private or Public. Suggest keeping default for Teams and Communications sites.
   • Select a language - The default language for your site.
   • 
7. Click next
8. Add additional owners or members to the site. Each person will receive a notification that you have invited them to the site. 
   • Owners - Have "Full Control" of  the site.
   • Members - Can add, modify or delete site content.
9. Click Finish and enjoy working in your new SharePoint site.

If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk