UMass Boston

Google AI Tools

Access 

Sign in with your UMass Boston account at gemini.google.com or notebooklm.google.com.

Check the user icon in the top right to confirm you're signed in with your UMass Boston account. If you see a personal account, switch accounts.

Overview 

Google Gemini and Notebook LM are AI-powered tools designed to help you work, learn, and create more effectively. It is available at no cost to all UMass Boston students, faculty, and staff as part of the university's Google Workspace for Education license. 

Your UMass Boston Google account gives you access to two tools: 

  • Google Gemini — a conversational AI assistant that can support research, brainstorming, summarizing documents, improving clarity, organizing ideas, coding, and more. It integrates directly with Google Workspace apps like Docs, Drive, Sheets, and Calendar.
  • NotebookLM — an AI-powered research assistant that lets you upload and interact with your own sources, such as PDFs, websites, Google Docs, YouTube videos, and more, to summarize information, explore key themes, ask questions, and better understand source material. 

Data Privacy & Security 

When you are signed into your UMass Boston Google account, your interactions with Gemini and NotebookLM are protected by the same enterprise-grade security that applies across all Google Workspace services. Specifically: 

  • Your prompts and content are not used to train Google's AI models.
  • Your content is not reviewed by Google or shared with other organizations without your permission.
  • Your interactions stay within your organization and do not leave UMass Boston's Google Workspace environment.  

Do not input restricted or otherwise highly sensitive university data. If you are unsure how to classify your data, contact the IT Service Desk via the IT Self Service Portal. 

Key Features 

Google Gemini 

  • Chat with an AI assistant to summarize, brainstorm, and answer questions across virtually any topic.
  • Integrate with Docs, Drive, Sheets, Slides, and Calendar to interact with your existing content. 
  • Access Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash model and limited access to Gemini 2.5 Pro.
  • Create custom Gems — tailored versions of Gemini you configure with custom instructions for specific tasks (e.g., a grading assistant, a citation formatter, a lesson planner). Learn more at Gemini Gems.   

Watch a video: Using Gemini for Google Workspace in Education

NotebookLM 

  • Upload your own sources — PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, audio files, Google Docs, or Google Slides — and ask questions grounded in that material.
  • Receive answers with clear inline citations so you can verify accuracy.
  • Transform your sources into study guides, briefing documents, audio overviews, timelines, and mind maps.
  • Supports text, images, graphs, and audio across many languages. 

Notebook LM Examples: Explore Google's Featured Notebooks to see examples of how NotebookLM can be used for research and learning.

Google Workspace Studio 

  • Automate repetitive tasks across Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Chat) using Gemini-powered workflows.
  • Use built-in templates or create your own flows from scratch.
  • Access Workspace Studio from any Google Workspace app via the Workspace Studio icon at the top of the screen, or at studio.workspace.google.com. 

Note: Workspace Studio currently connects only to data within your Google account. It does not integrate with OneDrive, SharePoint, or Exchange mailboxes. 

Usage Quotas & Limits 

Usage limits for Google Gemini and NotebookLM may apply depending on your account type and UMass Boston's Google Workspace license configuration. For current, up-to-date information on quotas and limits, refer to Google's official documentation: Google Workspace with Gemini: Usage limits. 

Requirements 

  • An active UMass Boston student, faculty, or staff status.
  • A modern web browser (Chrome recommended) or the Gemini mobile app.   

What Is Not Included 

The following are not available under UMass Boston's current Google Workspace license: 

  • Gemini Advanced (AI Pro or AI Ultra tiers)
  • Google Veo (AI video generation)
  • NotebookLM Plus (higher usage limits and advanced analytics) 

Some advanced features within Gemini and NotebookLM may be unavailable or subject to change based on Google's licensing terms 

Academic Integrity 

Use of AI tools, including Google Gemini and NotebookLM, must comply with the expectations set by your instructor and UMass Boston's academic integrity policies. AI tools can support your learning and work, but they do not replace your own critical thinking, analysis, or original voice.   

When in doubt: 

  • Ask your instructor whether AI use is permitted for a specific assignment.
  • Disclose your use of AI tools when appropriate or required.
  • Verify all AI-generated content for accuracy — AI can make mistakes.
  • Do not submit AI-generated content as entirely your own work without following your course's guidelines. 

Getting Started 

Access Gemini 

Access NotebookLM 

Access Workspace Studio 

Additional Resources

Support 

If you have trouble accessing Google Gemini or NotebookLM, contact the IT Service Desk via the IT Self Service Portal at service.umb.edu.