Overview
- What is Google Workspace, and why am I getting access to it?
- Will this change how I use email or calendar?
- How might this benefit my teaching?
- How is Google Workspace different from Canvas?
- Will I still be able to use Microsoft 365 tools?
- Why isn’t the university moving email to Google as well?
- What’s the long-term vision?
- When will this happen?
- Where can I learn more or get updates?
1. What is Google Workspace, and why am I getting access to it?
The University of Richmond is introducing Google Workspace for Education accounts for all faculty by August 2026.
This gives you access to tools like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms to support teaching, collaboration, and course activities.
2. Will this change how I use email or calendar?
No changes here...
- Email and calendar will remain in Outlook (Exchange Online).
- Google Workspace is for collaboration and instructional use only.
3. How might this benefit my teaching?
- Real-time collaboration on documents and group projects
- Easy sharing and feedback on student work
- Simple creation of surveys, quizzes, and forms
- Flexible tools students already know
4. How is Google Workspace different from Canvas?
Once the LMS transition is complete in the Spring of 2027, Canvas will become the University’s official learning management system (LMS). Canvas will also be integrated with our student information system (Banner), making it the LMS system of record.
For additional details about the transition, visit the Provost’s LMS page: https://provost.richmond.edu/about/learning-management-system.html
Google Workspace for Education provides a set of collaboration and productivity tools such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive that support how students and faculty can work together on course materials.
In practice, Canvas provides the structure for your course, while Google Workspace enhances collaboration within that structure. For example, you might use Canvas to post an assignment and collect submissions, while students use Google Docs to complete and collaborate on the work.
5. Will I still be able to use Microsoft 365 tools?
Yes. Faculty will continue to have access to Microsoft 365 alongside Google Workspace.
6. Why isn’t the university moving email to Google as well?
The university is maintaining one official email system (Outlook/Exchange) to reduce confusion and improve reliability.
7. What’s the long-term vision?
- Flexible, modern teaching tools
- A single, reliable email system
- Reduced complexity across platforms
8. When will this happen?
Faculty will receive access by August 2026.
9. Where can I learn more or get updates?
More details will be shared via SpiderTechNet.
For Faculty Using Personal Google Accounts (@richmond.edu)
This section only applies if you have previously created a personal (unmanaged) Google account using your @richmond.edu email address.
- I already use Google with my "@richmond.edu" email—what happens to that account?
- Will I lose any of my data?
- Do I need to move my files?
- What support will be available during the transition?
10. I already use Google with my "@richmond.edu" email—what happens to that account?
You’ll be asked to rename your current account to a personal email address and will receive a new UR-managed account.
11. Will I lose any of my data?
No. Your data will remain in your renamed personal account. Your new account will start empty.
12. Do I need to move my files?
Not immediately. You can choose what to move into your new account.
13. What support will be available during the transition?
- Information Services will reach out directly if you’re affected
- Provide guidance and support through the Help Desk
- Share updates and resources via SpiderTechNet