Google Hangouts is composed of a videoconferencing service (Google Meet) and a messaging service (Google Chat) allowing U-M students, faculty, and staff to connect and collaborate with live video, audio, screen sharing, and text chat. With Hangouts, you can work from home or abroad and join meetings, conference calls, and group discussions from any computer or mobile device.
Important: U-M Google is not HIPAA-compliant. Review the Sensitive Data Guide for types of data permitted for use with Hangouts Meet. If HIPAA-compliance is needed, check out the Zoom conferencing service.
Intended Audience
This Quicknote is intended for current students, faculty staff, alumni, and anyone who would like to know more about using Google Hangouts for videoconferencing and communication.
Requirements
For the best experience, you will need a computing device, an internet connection, a microphone, and a webcam. Access to Google Hangouts is included with every individual's U-M Google Account.
Hangouts Features
Google Hangouts can be used to participate in group video chat during online class sessions, share screens, and create large group messages. Below are a few of the features and functionality Google Hangouts offers:
- Google Chat
- Group and Direct Messaging
- Up to 8,000 participants per chat room
- File Sharing with Google Drive
- Google Meet
- HD Video and Audio
- Built-In Presentation Features
- Up to 100 participants per video call
- Scheduling with Google Calendar
More detailed information on the features and functionality of Google Hangouts can be found in the UM-Ann Arbor article here:
Google Hangouts Features.
Additional Information
Getting Started with Hangouts Meet:
For step by step information on how to get started using Google Meet and how to schedule Google Meet video meeting with Google Calendar please see the UM-Ann Arbor documentation here:
Getting Started with Google Meet
Alternatively, visit the Ann Arbor ITS
Google Meet Documentation for more information about getting started with Google Meet.
Information about the use of Sensitive Data with Google Hangouts is available in the Safe Computing Sensitive Data Guide:
Google at U-M Core Services
Troubleshooting
Location: 206 Murchie Science Building
Hours: go.umflint.edu/hours
Phone: (810) 762-3123
Email: flint.its.support@umich.edu