Welcome to the Pilot!

Google Gemini Logo

Welcome to the Google Gemini pilot! Google Gemini is an AI assistant which can understand, generate, and process multiple types of data. Upload and interact with items like text, images, code, and so much more. 

Our Texas State pilot provides access to Google Gemini in a safe, secure, and private environment. Data and interactions are not used to train the Google AI models.

What Can Gemini Do For Me?

Google Gemini helps with writing, planning, problem-solving, and data analysis. Draft communications, organize projects, generate reports, or get instant answers to complex questions.

Learn more about TXST's Google Gemini implementation and other important system information below.

Expand FAQ List

  • Google Gemini Edu Fundamentals [Free Pilot]

      • No Direct Workspace Integration: The app's AI capabilities are not embedded within core applications like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. All interactions must happen through the separate Gemini web interface (gemini.google.com).
      • Monthly Usage Cap: The "Deep Research" feature, which generates in-depth reports, is limited to 10 reports per month.
      • Mobile App Restrictions: When using the Gemini mobile app with a school account, you are unable to upload files or use "Gems" (customized versions of Gemini). These features are available on the web interface.

    • Log into Google Gemini using your TXST NetID and password, just like you log into other campus services. You should log out of your personal account, if you have one, or use a separate web browser for your personal Google account.

    • If you already have a personal account with Google (e.g., Gmail), you will now have multiple accounts and profiles: Your personal account with all of the Google products you've subscribed to, and your TXST account. The TXST account will contain services subscribed to by the university. Google services such as Google One, Google Drive, and Google Workspace are not included in the TXST version. You may wish to use a different browser - one for your personal Google account and another for your TXST account.

    • All students, faculty, and staff are able to use the tool.

    • Ongoing

    • Access to the Gemini App and its features like Canvas and Deep Research is provided at no cost to TXST users. A paid add-on (Google AI Pro Education) is required for expanded feature use and Gemini integrated directly into apps like Docs and Gmail. Contact vpit@txstate.edu for purchase information.

    • The primary reason is data protection. When you use your TXST account, your conversations and any data you upload are considered "Core Services" under the university's enterprise agreement. This means your data is not used to train Google's AI models, is not reviewed by people, and is handled in a way that supports compliance with regulations. A personal account does not provide these protections.

    • The Gemini App is a versatile AI assistant. You can use it to:

      • Plan & Create: Draft lesson plans, syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
      • Research & Analyze: Accelerate literature reviews, summarize articles, and use the "Deep Research" feature to generate comprehensive reports on a topic.
      • Communicate: Draft emails, newsletters, and other communications.
      • Learn: Get step-by-step help with homework, create personalized practice quizzes, and get feedback on your writing.
      • Code: Get help writing, explaining, and debugging code.

    • This tool is authorized for use with TXST confidential data. See Information Security's Data Classification Guide. 

      The TXST Google Workspace for Education Gemini service provides enhanced data protection that supports compliance; it is appropriate for university-related work that may involve protected information. Your conversations and uploaded data are not used for model training. Always follow existing university data handling policies. This tool is authorized for use with TXST confidential data. 

    • You can upload documents, spreadsheets, photos, videos, and more to Gemini Apps to get answers, summaries, and insights about your content.

      Gemini Apps support most file types including: 

      • Plain text files: TXT
      • Document files: DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX
      • Documents created in Google Docs
      • Tabular data files: CSV, TSV
      • Spreadsheet files: XLS, XLSX
      • Spreadsheets created in Google Sheets


      Up to 10 files can be uploaded in the same prompt.
      Each video can be up to 2 GB. All other supported file types can be up to 100 MB.
      Total video length can be up to 5 minutes. 
      However, this functionality is not available on the mobile app for school accounts. 

    • The Gemini App does not have a direct feature to share a chat session with another user. Instead, you can export the content you generate. For example, you can export Deep Research reports and Gemini Canvas projects directly to Google Docs. Once in Google Docs, you can use the standard sharing features to collaborate with others.

  • Google Gems [Free Pilot]

      • No Direct Workspace Integration: The app's AI capabilities are not embedded within core applications like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. All interactions must happen through the separate Gemini web interface (gemini.google.com). This integration requires a paid add-on.
      • Monthly Usage Cap: The "Deep Research" feature, which generates in-depth reports, is limited to 10 reports per month.
      • Mobile App Restrictions: When using the Gemini mobile app with a school account, you are unable to upload files or use "Gems" (customized versions of Gemini). These features are available on the web interface.

    • If you already have a personal account with Google (e.g., Gmail), you will now have multiple accounts and profiles: Your personal account with all of the Google products you've subscribed to, and your TXST account. The TXST account will contain services subscribed to by the university. Google services such as Google One, Google Drive, and Google Workspace are not included in the TXST version. You may wish to use a different browser - one for your personal Google account and another for your TXST account.

    • Log into Google Gemini using your TXST NetID and password, just like you log into other campus services. You should log out of your personal account, if you have one, or use a separate web browser for your personal Google account.

    • All students, faculty, and staff are able to use the tool.

    • Ongoing

    • Access to the Gemini App and its features like Canvas and Deep Research is provided at no cost to TXST users. A paid add-on (Google AI Pro Education) is required for expanded feature use and Gemini integrated directly into apps like Docs and Gmail. Contact vpit@txstate.edu for purchase information.

    • The primary reason is data protection. When you use your TXST account, your conversations and any data you upload are considered "Core Services" under the university's enterprise agreement. This means your data is not used to train Google's AI models, is not reviewed by people, and is handled in a way that supports compliance with regulations. A personal account does not provide these protections.

    • The Gemini App is a versatile AI assistant. You can use it to:

      • Plan & Create: Draft lesson plans, syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
      • Research & Analyze: Accelerate literature reviews, summarize articles, and use the "Deep Research" feature to generate comprehensive reports on a topic.
      • Communicate: Draft emails, newsletters, and other communications.
      • Learn: Get step-by-step help with homework, create personalized practice quizzes, and get feedback on your writing.
      • Code: Get help writing, explaining, and debugging code.

    • This tool is authorized for use with TXST confidential data. See Information Security's Data Classification Guide. De-identify PII where feasible.

      The TXST Google Workspace for Education Gemini service provides enhanced data protection that supports compliance; it is appropriate for university-related work that may involve protected information. Your conversations and uploaded data are not used for model training. Always follow existing university data handling policies. 

    • You can upload documents, spreadsheets, photos, videos, and more to Gemini Apps to get answers, summaries, and insights about your content.

      Gemini Apps support most file types including: 

      • Plain text files: TXT
      • Document files: DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX
      • Documents created in Google Docs
      • Tabular data files: CSV, TSV
      • Spreadsheet files: XLS, XLSX
      • Spreadsheets created in Google Sheets


      Up to 10 files can be uploaded in the same prompt.


      Each video can be up to 2 GB. All other supported file types can be up to 100 MB.

      Total video length can be up to 5 minutes. 


      However, this functionality is not available on the mobile app for school accounts. 

    • Sharing is not a feature of this tool.