Chat lets you easily send a text, send a file, share a document from Google Drive, or start a Meet session. Chat is available via a web browser or stand alone apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

Chat is a Core Google Workspace app and covered under the Core Terms of the Google Workspace Education Agreement.

Using Chat

Direct Message

• • A direct message is a private conversation among designated individual(s). 
  • Members of newly created Group conversations can be added or changed.
    
    • History will be enabled by default for group conversations and messages will be retained in Vault for 18 months.
  • External (non @ncsu.edu) accounts can be direct messaged by an individual, but cannot be added to a group message.
  • For a full comparison of features, visit: Google Support: Learn about Spaces.

Spaces

• • Spaces are persistent collaboration spaces where people can share files, assign tasks, and stay connected.
  • History is on by default and messages are retained in Vault for 18 months.
  • Newly created Spaces will be unthreaded by default. Space creators can enable threaded conversations upon creation.
  • Threaded conversations can make it easier for members to follow and participate in multiple conversations.
  • This selection cannot be changed later.
  • Space membership can be changed at any time.
  • Google Groups can be members of Spaces. Each group member will have the option to join the Space.
  • External (non @ncsu.edu) accounts can be members of a Space.
  • For a full comparison of features, visit: Google Support: Learn about Spaces.

Organizing Your Sidebar

• • Google Chat now allows you to create sections to organize your direct messages and Spaces on your left toolbar.
    • Simply click and drag a direct message or Space and you will be able to create new sections.  This allows you to mix and match the assets you want in your sidebar.
  • See more at this Google support page.

 

Getting Started with Chat

To learn more about Chat and how to get started collaborating and managing Chat, visit the Google Workspace Learning Center. 

Chat Features

Accessibility

• • See Google’s accessibility features and products.
  • Google Workspace user guide to accessibility

Data Security

In Chat, users should avoid discussing the following topics:

• • Personnel topics
  • Red or Purple data. See Data Management Framework.
  • Conversations that need to be archived or retained for longer than 18 months.
  • Meeting minutes, which should be archived in permanent format such as Google Doc.
  • Process documentation.

Chat History Settings and Retention

• • With Chat Space history enabled, members can search for specific chats and direct messages.  Search by document type, user, images, PDFs, etc.
  • Chat Spaces and group messages have an 18-month retention for business continuity.
  • Message retention is calculated based on the time of its original post.  For example, a message posted on 10/1/2020 would be available until 4/1/2022.
  • If requested by the Office of General Counsel, Google Admins can search Chat Space history. 

Chat on your mobile device

• • For easiest mobile access to your Chat, download the Google Chat app.

Resources and Support 

• Google Training (REPORTER)
• Google Chat Help center
• Google Chat training and help
• NC State IT Service Portal