Generative AI Platforms - General Information About Google Gemini

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Summary

Google Gemini is an advanced multimodal AI model developed by Google, designed to handle a broad range of creative, technical, and analytical tasks. It supports text generation, image creation, and speech understanding. It is available to Michigan State University (MSU) faculty, staff, and students at no additional cost through the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals edition, while adhering to MSU’s data protection policies.

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Description

Google Gemini is Google’s latest-generation AI model that enhances productivity and creativity. It provides intelligent support for writing, brainstorming, summarizing, image creation, and data analysis.

Important Note on Integration: As MSU currently subscribes to Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, Gemini is available as a standalone chatbot experience at gemini.google.com.

See Compare Editions - Google for Education for details.

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Data Classification and Acceptable Use

Use of Google Gemini must comply with Michigan State University’s data governance and acceptable use standards.

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Common Use Cases

  • Custom Gems Creation: Build personalized AI assistants that perform specific tasks or maintain a consistent tone. For instance, create a Gem to act as a "Research Summarizer," "Syllabus Generator," or "Code Reviewer" that saves your preferred instructions for repeated use.
  • Academic writing and editing: Summarize and refine essays, research papers, or communications within the chat interface.
  • Presentation creation: Draft outlines and visual ideas for slides.
  • Data interpretation: Analyze pasted datasets or problems to generate insights.
  • Brainstorming and ideation: Support creative or technical project planning.

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Initial Purchase and Ongoing Costs

Google Gemini is included at no additional cost as part of MSU’s Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals environment. All faculty, staff, and students with an active MSU NetID automatically have access to Gemini’s core standalone features.

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How to Request Access

No separate request or license purchase is required. Gemini’s core features are automatically enabled within MSU’s Google Workspace for Education environment.

You can start using Gemini by:

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How to Request Assistance

For technical support or Gemini-related questions:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use Gemini if I’m logged into a personal Gmail account?

You can use Gemini in a personal account, but it won’t have MSU’s enterprise data protections. For any work involving institutional or research data, always use your MSU Google Workspace account

Does Gemini store or share my data externally?

No. When accessed through MSU’s Google Workspace for Education, Gemini adheres to enterprise-level security and privacy standards. Data remains protected under MSU and Google Education agreements.

Can I create or share Custom Gems within my organization?

Yes. You can build Custom Gems for specific workflows (like grading templates, research summarization, or communications) and share them with others within Michigan State University.

What models are used in Gemini and are there any usage limitations?

Users currently can access Gemini 3 Pro (for complex reasoning) and Gemini 2.5 Flash (for speed and efficiency). Thinking with 3 Pro has 100/prompt per day limitations. See Use Gemini Apps with a work or school Google Account - Education - Gemini Apps Help for up-to-date information about available models and respective limitation.

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Related Services / Offerings

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Related Services / Offerings (1)

Enterprise Generative AI Platform offerings for the University.