U-M Google Updates

REMINDER: New Gmail Starts to Be Permanent Next Week

10/9/2018

As first communicated, on August 14, Google announced the new Gmail cutover dates. This is a reminder that beginning Tuesday,October 16, everyone will start to be permanently switched to new Gmail as “classic Gmail” will no longer be available. This should slowly roll out to the UMICH domain over the next several weeks. 

New features include:
smart replies (similar to the Gmail mobile version)
the option to snooze emails (as with Google Inbox)
a new tool panel on the right side of the interface for easy access to Tasks (also revamped) and Calendar

Interested in our latest updates about Google G Suite at U-M? Check out the Google Service Updates page.

Smart Compose Makes Writing Email Faster

9/27/2018

A New Way To Write Emails

Using email is a quick and efficient way to share information, communicate, and collaborate with anyone - from colleagues to family. Drafting a new message can take some time, however. Similar to “Smart Reply” in Gmail, which helps draft quick replies to emails, “Smart Compose” is a new Gmail feature that makes drafting emails faster. 

Smart Compose suggests sentences in emails, much like search suggestions in search engines. Write an email like you normally would, and Smart Compose will offer suggestions as you type. To accept a suggestion, press Tab. 

Smart Compose

Google has clearly stated that Smart Compose suggestions are 100% modeled from consumer (gmail.com) data. Google has also stated that G Suite (umich.edu) data is not stored or used to generate Smart Compose suggestions and it will not show up in a Smart Compose suggestion.

Opting Out 

The Smart Compose feature can be turned off on the General tab in Settings.

A Friendly Reminder: Check Your SPAM Folder Periodically

9/27/2018

When was the last time you checked your spam or junk email folder? Once in a while, a legitimate email can be sent to your spam folder instead of to the Inbox. We recommend you check your spam folder periodically for legitimate emails that may have been sent there by mistake. If you do find a message that has been accidentally marked as spam, you can select it and click Not Spam at the top of your inbox to help ensure that future messages from this sender are not flagged as spam. Additionally, adding colleagues to your Google Contacts can help with mail delivery.

How To Switch Back To "Classic" Gmail

9/18/2018

Today, users of U-M Google Mail were upgraded to the new Gmail interface. Users who wish to can revert to the previous “classic” version of Gmail until October 16. On that date, Google will permanently switch all users to the new Gmail interface (even if you opt to go back to classic Gmail now).

Users who experience barriers using the new Gmail interface and want to temporarily switch back to “classic” U-M Google Mail until the October 16 cutover can follow these instructions:

Select the settings button (gear icon) in the upper-right corner, then select "Go back to classic University of Michigan Mail." The classic interface will load automatically.

If you are using a screen reader and would like to revert back to classic Gmail:

  • Once the main Gmail Interface is loaded, press “Control+Home” to return to the top of the page.
  • Press the “h” key 4 times to reach the Conversations heading.
  • Press “Shift+b” once to navigate to the previous button which is Settings.
  • Press Enter on this button to open the Settings menu.
  • Press the Down arrow key once to reach “Go Back to University of Michigan Classic Mail” and press Enter to activate this option.

These instructions were designed using the NVDA screen reader and Firefox.

REMINDER: New Gmail Rolls Out Tuesday

9/14/2018

As first communicated, on August 14, Google announced the new Gmail cutover dates. This is a reminder:

  • Tuesday, September 18: Google automatically switches everyone to new Gmail. Users can still revert to “classic Gmail” for one month.
  • October 16: Everyone will be permanently switched to new Gmail and “classic Gmail” will no longer be available.

New features include:

  • smart replies (similar to the Gmail mobile version)
  • the option to snooze emails (as with Google Inbox)
  • a new tool panel on the right side of the interface for easy access to Tasks (also revamped) and Calendar

Google officially released the new Gmail interface in July after a period of testing and feedback through its Early Adopter Program, which U-M had participated in since June.