The University of Minnesota now offers Google’s robust generative AI tool—Gemini with enterprise-grade protection—to all faculty, staff, and students. 

Gemini provides greater privacy, ensures equitable access, and is a fiscally responsible generative AI solution that aligns with the University’s mission to enhance learning, research, outreach, and operational excellence.

Better protection and access at no added cost

To access the tool, users must first review and attest to understanding appropriate use. They can then log into their University account at gemini.google.com, which offers greater data privacy protection than Gemini’s free version. 

CJ Loosbrock, senior director and chief technology officer in the Office of Information Technology (OIT), says, “In March 2025, over 13,000 University faculty, staff, and students had free ChatGPT accounts. This reflects a desire to utilize generative AI and we want to provide a more secure alternative.”

Additionally, Gemini ensures equitable access, as University community members don’t have to pay a subscription fee for that added privacy. The University does not pay extra money for the tool either.

“We want to be good stewards of our resources and already have a license agreement with Google for Education that includes Gemini,” says Loosbrock.

Your partner, not replacement

It is important to remember that Gemini is a partner, not a replacement for student, faculty, and staff work. For example, student learning activities can be designed to foster understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills. These activities extend beyond passive reception of information and involve active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Faculty and staff can use the tool to help with course development such as drafting syllabi or creating lesson plans; brainstorming ideas; summarizing complex data; assisting with coding; and much more. However, no generative AI outputs should be accepted as complete, and must be reviewed for bias, accuracy, context, logic, voice, brand standards, and more. 

The University of Minnesota Libraries has specific generative AI guidance for faculty and instructors while University Marketing Communications compiled generative AI guidelines for marketing and communications professionals.

For the latest about AI at the University including guidance for appropriate use, events, training modules, and more, visit ai.umn.edu.

Faculty and staff can share their feedback about using generative AI at the University by emailing [email protected], which will help shape upcoming training and support materials.