Create staging directory transition page

Author: xamberl

_uw-research-computing/staging-transition.md

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+---
+highlighter: none
+layout: guide
+title: "Staging directory transition"
+guide:
+    category: General
+    tag:
+        - htc
+--- 
+
+## Announcement
+
+This fall, we are transitioning to a new directory structure for personal staging directories. **This affects all users on the HTC system**.
+
+Personal staging directories will now be located in **alphabetized subdirectories** based on the first letter of your NetID. For example:
+
+
+| Previous `/staging` directory path | New `/staging` directory path |
+| --- | --- |
+| `/staging/netid` | `/staging/n/netid` |
+| `/staging/bucky` | `/staging/b/bucky` |
+
+Group `/staging` directories are not affected, and will remain in the `/staging/groups` subdirectory.
+
+## Transition timeline and process
+
+We will start transitioning users' personal `/staging` directories to this new structure **starting Thursday, September 11, 2025**.
+
+CHTC will:
+
+1. Copy your files to your new `/staging` directory.
+2. Create a symlink at your previous `/staging` directory path that points to the new `/staging` directory path.
+
+We will complete this transition on **Wednesday, December 31** and delete all symlinks.
+
+### What you should do
+
+If you have an existing `/staging` directory, **between September 11 and December 31**, please review all your files that reference your `/staging` directory. This may include but are not limited to:
+
+* HTCondor submit files
+* Executables and scripts
+* Environment variables
+* DAGMan files
+
+Please change any reference to your personal `/staging` directory to the new path.
+
+For example, in an HTCondor submit file, change:
+
+```
+container_image = osdf:///chtc/staging/netid/my-container.sif
+```
+
+to:
+
+```
+container_image = osdf:///chtc/staging/n/netid/my-container.sif
+```
+
+## Get support
+
+If you have questions or concerns, please email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).