Google outlined how universities across the U.S. are using its AI tools to help students, faculty, and staff prepare for an AI-powered future.
The company said higher education institutions are adopting Gemini for Education and Google NotebookLM across classrooms, research labs, and campus operations. These deployments focus on data security, AI training, and academic research as universities seek safe, practical ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning.
A major focus for universities is protecting student and institutional data. Google said Gemini for Education provides enterprise-grade data protection for campus-wide deployments at no cost, with data not reviewed or used to train AI models or for ad targeting.
Several institutions are already using Google’s AI tools with security and privacy in mind. Virginia Tech is providing access to tools such as Gemini for Education and NotebookLM, which its IT Security Office has approved for use with high-risk data. UC Riverside introduced The Grove, a secure campus AI assistant built on Gemini Enterprise. And UC Irvine approved Google Workspace, Google Cloud Platform, and Gemini for Education for secure use with select sensitive institutional data before making Gemini available through ZotGPT, a free AI platform for the campus community.
Universities are also building training frameworks to help students, faculty, and staff understand how to use AI effectively. Case Western Reserve University recently deployed Gemini campus-wide and is providing staff training through conferences and self-paced online learning. Indiana University is offering its GenAI 101 course, developed at the Kelley School of Business, to the public for free. And the University of Virginia is using the Google AI Professional Certificate as a starting point for applied projects with local businesses and community organizations.
The University System of Maryland has also partnered with Google to offer AI Essentials courses that help learners earn industry-recognized credentials. These programs are intended to give students practical AI skills that can be used in the workforce.
Google also pointed to examples of AI supporting university research and innovation. At the University of Alberta, a custom Gemini Gem is helping faculty receive around-the-clock support for writing research grants. And at New York University’s Build with Google AI Hackathon, student teams used Google AI tools to build functional apps, including TreeRoute, a walking planner that recommends healthier paths based on pollen levels, weather, and urban environmental data.
Google said its higher education work focuses on helping universities adopt AI safely and effectively by providing tools with enhanced data protection and training resources to prepare students for future careers.
