Google Chat
Google Chat (previously called 'Hangouts Chat') provides an online space for team collaboration.
This service is part of Google Workspace.
Google Chat is not widely used across the University for staff communication. Slack is the primary tool used for real-time conversations and instant messages between staff and teams.
Key features
- Create chat rooms for dedicated discussion between a team or project working group.
- Integrates with Google Groups to create rooms limited to members of a group.
- Conduct threaded conversations.
- Send direct messages between users.
- Integrates with other Google Workspace apps such as Calendar and Drive.
- Bots can participate in rooms or respond to direct messages.
- A mobile app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Access instructions
- Sign in with your York email address and password.
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Available to staff and students
All members of the University are automatically given a personal Google Workspace account, which includes access to this service. You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.
App and web-based
This service works in your web browser. The mobile app is compatible with Android and iOS.
Funded by the University
There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.
Access instructions
- Sign in with your York email address and password.
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Google Chat help (support.google.com)
- Get started with Google Chat (support.google.com)
- For help with all apps in the Google Workspace, please use our Google Workspace guide.
Accessibility
Google has incorporated a variety of features to make its products usable by people with accessibility needs.
- How to use Google Chat with a screen reader (support.google.com)
- Google accessibility features and products (about.google.com)
- Google accessibility conformance reports (about.google.com)
Contact for support
If you're experiencing technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.
Service commitments
This service is part of Google Workspace. See Google Workspace: service commitments for related user responsibilities and policies.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Availability
- This is a live service, available 24/7.
- Check the status of this service and any planned maintenance (google.com).
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
- They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
- This service is part of Google Workspace. For full details of the support we provide, see Google Workspace: service commitments.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers, and we monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
- Google Workspace Service Level Agreement (workspace.google.com).
- Google Workspace services summary (workspace.google.com).
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024