Rice University has taken another step toward achieving the goals outlined in Momentous by expanding access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enhance teaching, research, and operations. The university launched two new tools—Gemini and NotebookLM—available to all faculty and staff in July, with student access coming in September. This rollout reflects Rice’s ongoing commitment to responsible AI, data privacy, and campus-wide innovation.
Why Gemini & NotebookLM?
Selected through a campus-wide evaluation led by Rice’s AI Advisory Committee, Gemini and NotebookLM were chosen for their ability to boost productivity while protecting university data. Developed by Google, both tools offer enterprise-level security and operate in a closed, FERPA-compliant environment—ensuring your work stays private and protected when accessed with your Rice NetID.
What Can They Do?
Gemini is a conversational assistant that can:
- Draft emails, reports, and presentations
- Summarize complex content
- Brainstorm or generate ideas
- Translate content or assist with code
NotebookLM is ideal for working with your own documents. It can:
- Summarize PDFs, Google Docs, and other files
- Answer questions based on your documents
- Turn messy notes into outlines or drafts
- Help identify patterns or connections
Together, these tools can save time, unlock new ideas, and help you do your best work—whether you're preparing a grant, designing a syllabus, or supporting day-to-day operations.
How to Get Started
- Access the Tools: Faculty and staff can now use Rice’s Google Gemini and NotebookLM by signing in with their Rice NetID. Users should ensure their Rice credentials are selected by clicking the profile icon in the upper right corner to confirm the session is secure (see image below).
- Explore AI Training & Resources: Visit webpages from Rice Digital Learning and Transformational Technology & Innovation to access on-demand tutorials, quick-start guides, and to register for upcoming workshops.
- Need Help? For technical assistance or login support, reach out to the IT Help Desk at ithelp@rice.edu.
Building a Responsible AI Future
Gemini and NotebookLM are more than new tools—they represent Rice’s investment in a secure, ethical, and forward-thinking digital ecosystem.
By putting advanced AI into the hands of faculty, staff, and soon students, Rice is fostering innovation, protecting data, and equipping its community to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
