Students at California State University, Fresno started the semester with something more than just new classes — new Gmail too.

Gmail service by Google for Fresno State students was launched in January by Information Technology Services (ITS) and students have begun setting up new accounts and transferring e-mail from their current provider, CVIP.

Out at the end of students’ e-mail addresses is csufresno.edu. In is mail.fresnostate.edu and it comes with enhanced features such as added e-mail storage, Google applications and Gmail Chat for better classmate interaction on projects, said Jim Michael, associate director of Operating System Services in ITS.

Michael and ITS staff began the student e-mail upgrade project three years ago after consulting students about their needs and what they felt Fresno State e-mail lacked. Students urged the university to switch to Gmail. ITS began working with Google last fall to implement the new service for students. The launch was Jan. 29.

“When talking with students, the overwhelming concern they had was that their CVIP accounts were limited. With Gmail we’re hoping to give students a more in-depth e-mail experience,” Michael said.

Students can make the change by logging on to mail.fresnostate.edu, set up a new account and begin transferring old e-mail from the CVIP account.

Once students transfer their current e-mail to their Gmail account, e-mail from their old address will be automatically forwarded to the new account until June 1, giving students time to alert their contacts that their university e-mail address has changed.

Dr. Paul M. Oliaro, vice president of Student Affairs and chair of the university’s Student Communications Committee, credited Associated Students Inc. for the student government’s advocacy role in working with ITS.

“ASI has urged the campus to obtain Gmail as their student e-mail for some time, and I think students will be very pleased to be using Gmail as their official campus e-mail,” Oliaro said.

Students seeking help with the transition can contact the Help Desk at 559.278.7000. For more information about the project in general, contact ITS at 559.278.3923.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Amanda Fine)