Students switching to campus new Google-based e-mail

California State University, Fresno students are trying something new this semester, migrating their e-mail to Gmail accounts established to answer student requests for a better system to keep in touch with others.

In January, Information Technology Services (ITS) began allowing students to set up new e-mail accounts and start the process of transferring e-mail from their current system, to a new Gmail service provided by Google (NASDAQ: GOOG).

“The overwhelming concern students told us was that their current e-mail accounts left much to be desired. With Gmail and Google Apps, we’re hoping to give students a more in-depth e-mail experience,” said Jim Michael, associate director of Operating System Services.

Michael and ITS staff began discussing replacement of student e-mail three years ago, consulting with students regarding their e-mail needs and what they felt campus e-mail lacked. Students’ overwhelming response was Gmail.

ITS finalized an agreement with Google in August 2009 and began implementing Google Apps a month later.

With Gmail accounts, students will receive e-mail addresses that no longer end @csufresno.edu, but with @mail.fresnostate.edu. Students have until April 30 to establish Gmail accounts. E-mail from their old address will be forwarded automatically until June 30, providing time to alert contacts about the change.

Using Google Apps, ITS can open new possibilities for students such as larger space for storing e-mail, Google applications and Gmail Chat. “Under Google Apps, students have the ability to do so much more than just e-mail, whether it’s using Google Docs, Google Calendar or chatting with classmates about upcoming projects,” Michael said.

Students can begin to make the change in their e-mail by logging onto http://googleapps.fresnostate.edu/. Help with the new system is available at https://help.csufresno.edu/students/googleapps/ or by calling the campus Help Desk at 559.278.7000.

For more information contact ITS at 559.278.3923 or visit the ITS Web site.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Amanda Fine)