FAQ: Access and Accounts
Who may request access to Google Gemini?
Undergraduate students receive access to Google Gemini automatically. Others who need access (faculty and staff) may request access via the Service Catalog.
How do I access Gemini, and which Northwestern account should I use?
Sign in to Gemini with a Northwestern Google Workspace account that has Gemini access. If you received a Lite account, use the account and login instructions in your onboarding email; your primary Northwestern account does not need to use Gmail. If you also have a full Northwestern Google Workspace account in the u.northwestern.edu domain, you may use either account.
How can I confirm that my Gemini access is working?
Sign in with your Northwestern Google Workspace account, open Gemini, and submit a prompt. If Gemini returns a response, your access is working.
I don’t see Gemini after receiving my account. What should I do?
After your account is provisioned, allow up to 24 hours for Gemini to appear. If Gemini is still unavailable after 24 hours, contact the Northwestern IT Service Desk by phone at 847-491-4357(1-HELP) or by email directed to consultant@northwestern.edu.
FAQ: Data Protection and Appropriate Use
How is Gemini data protected?
Google states that Gemini for Google Workspace does not use Northwestern users’ prompts, responses, or Workspace content to train its foundation AI models. The service is covered by Google Workspace security, privacy, and compliance controls, but Student, Faculty and Staff must still follow Northwestern requirements.
FAQ: Functionality
Why do customers see different Gemini features?
Full and Lite Northwestern Google Workspace accounts may have different Gemini experiences. Full accounts may have access to additional Google Workspace applications, which can provide additional Gemini features or integrations.
Why don’t I see Personal Intelligence in Gemini settings?
Personal Intelligence requires a personal Google Account and is not available for enterprise or educational Google Workspace accounts.
What works differently in Google Workspace versus the Gemini web app?
In Google Workspace, Gemini works within supported apps such as Gmail, Docs, Slides, Drive, and Meet. The Gemini web app provides a separate chat experience and can connect to supported Workspace apps you have access to.
How is Gemini different than other AI solutions available at Northwestern?
Refer to the AI Tool table at Explore AI Tools for a comparison of AI solutions available at Northwestern and guidance on appropriate use.
What is replacing Gems, and what should I do with my existing Gems?
Google is replacing Gems with Skills. You can continue using existing Gems, but avoid creating new or essential workflows with them. Gems will remain available to Google Workspace during the transition period. Google plans to automatically convert remaining Gems in the Gemini app to draft Skills. Gems used in Workspace Studio flows will not convert automatically and must be replaced manually. It is recommended that users begin moving important Gems to Skills.
FAQ: Help and Training
Where can I get help with Gemini?
Contact your school or unit’s local IT support team or the Northwestern IT Service Desk at 847-491-4357 (1-HELP) for help with account access, feature availability, or service issues.
What Gemini training and onboarding resources are available?
Your feedback on this article is welcome, and we review comments regularly. However, if you have an issue or question requiring immediate attention or want to discuss your feedback on this article, please get in touch with the Northwestern IT Service Desk at 847-49
1-4357 (1-HELP) or
consultant@northwestern.edu.