Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook Access for UHCL Faculty, Staff, and Students

Overview

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) Office of Information Technology (OIT) and Neumann Library provide access to Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook through Google Workspace. These AI-powered tools support teaching, learning, research, content creation, and productivity activities for faculty, staff, and students.

Available AI Tools

Google Gemini

Google Gemini is a general-purpose AI assistant designed to help users with a variety of academic and administrative tasks.

Common Uses

  • Brainstorming and idea generation
  • Quick research assistance
  • Drafting emails, reports, and written communications
  • Summarizing information and content
  • Improving productivity and efficiency

Examples

  • Create a draft email to students about an upcoming assignment.
  • Generate meeting agendas or project summaries.
  • Summarize lengthy articles or reports.
  • Explore ideas for research topics or presentations.

Gemini Notebook

Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM and Google Notebook) is an AI-powered research and knowledge management tool that works directly with user-provided documents and source materials.

Common Uses

  • Summarizing uploaded documents and research sources
  • Creating study guides, FAQs, and learning resources
  • Organizing notes and research content
  • Discovering insights and relationships across multiple documents
  • Supporting literature reviews and research projects

Examples

  • Upload research papers and generate a literature review summary.
  • Create study guides from course materials.
  • Generate FAQs from policy documents or manuals.
  • Organize project documentation and extract key findings.

Note: Gemini Notebook generates responses based on the documents and information you upload, making it particularly effective for research, course preparation, and knowledge management.

Accessing Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook

Prerequisites

  • Active UHCL email account
  • Google Workspace account associated with your UHCL credentials

Steps to Access

  1. Navigate to the Google Workspace Dashboard:

  2. Sign in using your UHCL email account.

  3. If prompted, create or activate your Google Workspace account.

  4. Launch Google Gemini or Gemini Notebook from within Google Workspace.

Responsible Use of AI Tools

When using Google Gemini or Gemini Notebook:

Verify Generated Content

AI-generated responses may contain inaccuracies, incomplete information, or outdated content. Users are responsible for:

  • Reviewing outputs for accuracy
  • Validating information before use
  • Confirming citations and references when conducting research

Protect Sensitive Information

Users must continue to comply with all University and UH System policies regarding:

  • Data privacy
  • Information security
  • Confidential data handling
  • Intellectual property rights
  • Appropriate use of institutional information

Do not upload or share sensitive institutional, confidential, protected, or regulated data unless approved under applicable university policies.

AI Policy Resources

For guidance on AI usage and security requirements, visit:

Additional Learning Resources

The Neumann Library maintains resources related to AI tools, policies, best practices, and educational applications.

AI@UHCL Resource Guide

  • https://uhcl.libguides.com/AI

Topics include:

  • AI tools available to the UHCL community
  • Responsible AI practices
  • Research and instructional resources
  • University guidance and policies
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