UMass Boston

Google AI Tools

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

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Overview 

Google Gemini and Notebook LM are AI-powered tools designed to help you work, learn, and create more effectively. They are 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 signed in with your UMass Boston Google account, Gemini and NotebookLM provide enterprise-grade data protection. Your prompts and content are not used to train Google’s AI models, reviewed by Google, or shared outside UMass Boston without permission.

Do not enter restricted or highly sensitive university data.

Google Gemini

Chat with an AI assistant to summarize, brainstorm, and answer questions across virtually any topic.

Model Options

  • Fast — Everyday tasks
  • Advanced — Reasoning & analysis
  • Deep Research — Complex research tasks

Key Features

  • Integrate with Docs, Drive, Sheets, Slides, and Calendar to interact with your existing content. 
  • 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.  

Getting Started with Gemini

  • Choose the model (Fast, Advanced or Deep Research) that fits your task.
  • Enter a prompt, critically review the response, verify any facts, and use it to inform your own thinking.
  • Visit the Gemini Help Center — Official Google support documentation for Gemini.

Gemini App 

NotebookLM 

Key Features

  • Transform your sources into study guides, briefing documents, audio overviews, timelines, and mind maps.
  • Supports text, images, graphs, and audio across many languages. 

Getting Started with Notebook LM

Explore NotebookLM Examples

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. For current, up-to-date information on quotas and limits, refer to Google's official documentation: Google Workspace with Gemini: Usage limits. 

Requirements 

  • 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. 

Additional Resources

Support 

If you have trouble accessing Google Gemini or NotebookLM, or have any data security and privacy concerns, contact the IT Service Desk via the IT Self Service Portal at service.umb.edu.