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Getting Started with Google Workspace

Google Workspace is available to the KAUST community to support collaboration, communication, and productivity across email, calendar, chat, storage, and meeting tools. However, the level of access and primary platform may vary depending on your role at KAUST.

Who Uses Google Workspace?

Access to Google Workspace tools is based on your KAUST affiliation:

  • Students, Researchers, and Some Faculty
    • Use Gmail for KAUST email (50GB storage)
    • Access all standard Google Workspace tools
  • Staff, Consultants, and Most Faculty
    • Use Outlook (Microsoft 365) for KAUST email
    • Have 5GB storage on Google Workspace for collaboration (not primary email)

Core Tools in Google Workspace

Regardless of email platform, all KAUST members can access the following Google Workspace tools:

  • Google Drive – Collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
    Note: Drive is not a replacement for OneDrive or SharePoint. Use it for shared collaboration only.
  • Google Meet – Host or join video calls with integrated calendar support.
  • Google Chat – Lightweight messaging and team channels for quick discussions.
  • Google Calendar – Schedule meetings and integrate with Teams, Webex, and Zoom through optional plug-ins.

Access Google Workspace

Recommended Use

• Use Google Drive only for collaboration with those who prefer Google tools or are already using Gmail at KAUST.
• Continue to use OneDrive or SharePoint for official document storage.
• Leverage Google Meet for lightweight meetings or mixed-platform collaboration.
• Use calendar plug-ins if your colleagues work across multiple meeting platforms.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which tools to use or if you’re experiencing issues with access, please contact the KAUST IT Service Desk or visit us in Building 14 during working hours.