Gmail at KAUST: What You Need to Know (Without Reading the Policy)
For Faculty, Postdocs, Researchers, and Students
Quick version
If you use Gmail at KAUST, this is for you. Google Workspace is the primary email platform for faculty, researchers, postdocs, and students. It connects closely with Drive and Docs, which means your storage is shared across services.
Who is this for?
You are likely on Google Workspace if you are:
- Faculty
- Postdoc
- Researcher
- Student
Faculty note
Faculty may choose Microsoft 365 instead of Gmail. If you primarily use Outlook, you are likely on M365.
What you get
- A KAUST Gmail address (typically firstname.lastname@kaust.edu.sa)
- Storage shared across Gmail and Google Drive
- Built-in spam filtering and protection
- Access linked to your academic status
Important storage note
Your Google storage is pooled. Gmail, Drive, and Docs share the same allocation. If your Drive fills up, your email can be affected too.
When is my account created?
Automatically. Once your academic or employment record becomes active in KAUST systems, your mailbox is provisioned.
What happens when I leave?
Your access is tied to your academic status. When that status ends, your account follows a defined lifecycle:
- Faculty and researchers receive a short grace period and may request an extension with business justification.
- Students retain access for one year after graduation.
- After that period, accounts are permanently deleted.
Security, handled for you
Your Gmail account includes multi-factor authentication, anti-spam and anti-malware protection, email authentication safeguards, encryption, and centralized monitoring. These protections are applied automatically and cannot be disabled.
Quick clarifications
Can faculty move to Microsoft 365?
Yes. Faculty may request to use M365 instead of Gmail.
Can I keep my Google account forever?
No. Extensions require formal approval and must meet business or academic justification.
Want the full details?
This page is a friendly overview. For complete lifecycle rules and technical requirements, refer to the official policy:
