New Email and Collaboration Tools

The University of Adelaide, in collaboration with Google, have commenced a project to implement Google Applications for students. The initial implementation commenced on March 16 and will continue over April and the first weeks of May.

Like most universities, the University of Adelaide provides students with a free email account which is created when they enrol. For many years, the current email system has served its purpose; however, recent student surveys have indicated that the functionality and quota provided by this email account needed improvement.

The benefits are that students will have 7 gigabytes of email storage capacity, IM capability and Calendar functions which allows them to add classes, tutorials and meetings right from the student email (Gmail) interface.

It is anticipated that the rollout of Google Apps at the University of Adelaide will benefit students in their studies by increasing the ability to collaborate and co-ordinate with fellow students.

When will this happen?

The implementation of Google Applications will be a gradual rollout, and  commenced on 16 March 2009.

How will the change over happen?

ITS has developed an automated process for the creation of the Google Apps  accounts for approximately 16,000 students. Based on your user name, you will be invited to sign up and to accept Google's Terms and Conditions. These invitations were sent commencing March 16 and this activity was completed on March 20. The invitations were sent to your existing webmail account and includes a link to an automated sign up page. You may also request existing emails to be copied to your new Gmail account after you have enabled the new Google Apps account, although this could take a few days depending on demand. Your old mailbox will be available for a period of time to allow you to access and forward emails.

What will the differences be?

After your account has been set up, you will be taken to the Google Applications interface rather than the University webmail interface. Your address book will be migrated from the University Webmail account if requested and your email address will stay the same. Communications from the University will continue to be received in your inbox. There will be some changes to the look and feel of your inbox

Where can I get more information?

Detailed communications will be provided from this page, these communications will keep you up to date on the progress of the project, key transition dates and the location of training materials and User Guide documents on the University website. You may also contact Student Center on 8303 5208.

And check out the Frequently Asked Questions; these will be updated as new queries are raised by students.