EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University has launched Google Apps for Education Edition at MSU. Students, faculty and staff will have access to collaborative tools including shared calendars, documents and spreadsheets at http://googleapps.msu.edu.

Libraries, Computing and Technology with Academic Technology Services worked with Google to negotiate an Education Edition contract providing improved contractual terms of service over standard terms of service given to individual public users.

MSU Google Apps uses current MSU NetID and password authentication and includes Google Docs, Google Calendar and Google Sites.

“We have been very pleased to partner with Google and negotiate terms of service for the popular Google Apps that present greater protections for MSU and MSU users,” said David Gift, vice provost for Libraries, Computing and Technology. “The Apps can be used for many instructional and research purposes. Of course, we continue to encourage MSU users to closely follow MSU’s guidelines regarding use of ‘cloud computing’ services when working with ‘high consequence’ business records and intellectual property, or any forms of MSU Confidential Data or uses involving student data or records protected by the Michigan State University Access to Student Information policy.”

Google Apps for Education at MSU includes:

• Google Docs: Create and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Documents are automatically saved and stored online so they are accessible from any computer. Sharing a document within MSU, as well as with anyone outside the university, involves sharing a link.
• Google Calendar: Calendars and events can be shared with anyone inside or outside MSU.
• Google Sites: Gather a variety of information – including videos, calendars, presentations, attachments, and text – and share it for viewing or editing with a small group, the MSU community, or the world.

About Libraries Computing and Technology (LCT): Libraries Computing and Technology reports to Michigan State University’s Provost, and works closely with the Vice President for Finance and Operations. LCT is the steward of MSU’s libraries and archives; technology infrastructure for central academic and business information; technology services, including support and training for users with academic and other support units; overall vision for technology at MSU; and related policy and business practices. LCT develops and implements policy, plans technology-related faculty development and instructional technology, manages the LCT budget, and administers the Teaching and Learning Environment account.

About Academic Technology Services (ATS): Academic Technology Services  is one of eight departments under the Office of the Vice Provost for Libraries, Computing and Technology at Michigan State University. ATS carries the responsibility to ensure MSU students, faculty, and staff have the information technology they need to fulfill the university’s mission – advancing knowledge and transforming lives. The ATS mission is to provide high-quality computing and networking services in support of the scholarship and work-related activities of the university community – education, research, and engagement.

###