UW-Madison Google Workspace - Getting Started with Gemini
This document introduces Google Gemini Chat, provides guidance on how to get started, and includes information about its features. Please note, the content on this page is subject to change without notice due to frequent changes to service offerings and newly released features by Google.
Topics:
- Introduction to Gemini
- Eligibility
- Access Gemini
- Use Cases
- Features and Usage Limits
- Managing Chats
- Resources
Important:
- Core app: Covered by the Google Workspace for Education terms of service.
- Data-protection: Your data is not human reviewed or used for Generative AI model training when using your UW-Madison Google Workspace for Education account. Learn more.
- Approved data types: Public and internal only . Consult your data steward for additional guidance.
- Retention period: 18 months. Chats cannot be deleted by the user or an admin at this time.
Introduction to Gemini
Google Gemini is a large language model that is designed to engage in informative and comprehensive interactions and answer a wide range of questions and prompts. With access to a massive and varied dataset, Gemini can provide detailed explanations, generate creative text, and even assist with tasks like writing emails or code. Gemini’s ability to understand and respond to natural language makes it a versatile tool.
Eligibility
Current UW-Madison faculty, staff, and students. Individuals under 18 will have a limited experience in Gemini.
Log in to Gemini Chat
Log in to https://gemini.google.com/app using your NetID credentials. If you are prompted to enter an email address upon login, please enter your netid@wisc.edu address. This will redirect you to the NetID login page.
Use cases
Gemini chat can be used to:
- Provide personalized explanations, examples, and practice problems, ensuring that each student receives the support they need.
- Help students with research by providing summaries of articles, identify relevant sources, and even generate citations.
- Assist with language learning by providing translations, explanations of grammar rules, and opportunities for practice.
- View additional use cases.
Gemini features and usage limits
UW-Madison Google Workspace accounts have access to the free version of Gemini. Premium licenses are not available at this time. Open a support ticket to submit a feature request.
Access and usage limits are subject to change without notice.
Model Access
| Model | Access | Approximate Usage Limits |
| Gemini 3 Flash "Fast" | General Access | Highest availability |
| Gemini 3 Thinking | Basic Access | ~ 300 prompts/day |
| Gemini 3.1 Pro | Basic Access | ~ 100 prompts/day |
Creative Tools
| Tool | Approximate Usage Limits |
| Image Gen (Nano Banana 2) | 20 images/day (1024 x 1024) |
| Music Gen (Lyria 3) | 10 tracks/day (30-second clips) |
Advanced Tasks
| Task | Approximate Usage Limits |
| Deep Research | 5 reports/month |
| Slide Generation | 20 presentations/day |
| Audio Overviews | 20 overviews/day |
Context & Files
| Feature | Approximate Usage Limits |
| Context Window | 32,000 tokens ( ~50 pages of text) |
| File Uploads | 10 files / prompts |
| Media Analysis | Videos up to 5 minutes Audio up to 10 minutes |
Source: Google Workspace for Education Fundamental Features and Limits
Keep in mind:
-
Dynamic Throttling: During peak hours (high global traffic), Google may temporarily lower these limits to ensure the system stays stable. You’ll usually see a "usage is high" notice if this happens.
-
Silent Downgrade: If you hit your limit on the Thinking or Pro models, the app will automatically switch you to the Fast (Flash) model so you can keep chatting without interruption.
Quick Demo
Tips for interacting with the demo slides using the menu bar above:
- Use the arrows to navigate slides.
- Click the slide number to view the outline.
- Click the three-dot icon for more options.
Managing chats
Currently, Gemini chats cannot be manually deleted. While Gemini's FAQ states that users can remove their conversations from view within the Gemini app, this does not apply to UW-Madison Google Workspace accounts. This may change as Google continues to update their service offerings.
Although Gemini chats do not allow manual deletion, they do have a retention period. Once a chat completes the retention period, they will be deleted and are irrecoverable.
Retention period: 18 months