As Lamar University explores launching Google Workspace for Education, Lamar will take ownership of the “lamar.edu” domain within Google. Google will begin the process of "domain contest." This means Google will identify all accounts associated with the @lamar.edu email address and contact users to move their accounts to Essential Starter accounts, per Google’s Terms of Service.
A Google Essential Starter account is a type of Google account designed for personal use, not managed by an organization. When your @lamar.edu email is converted, you will have a consumer account separate from the university-managed Google Workspace for Education account.
Anyone who is currently using Google services (such as Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos) with their @lamar.edu email address before the creation of the university’s official Google Workspace for Education accounts will be affected. This includes faculty, staff, and students. This does NOT affect accounts signed up with “@gmail.com” or “@gmail.google.com” accounts OR your current Lamar email OR LEA.
Your existing Google account associated with your @lamar.edu email will be converted to a consumer account. You will retain access to your data, but it will no longer be under your Lamar University email address. You may need to update your login credentials and review your account settings, you will get an opportunity to add a “gmail.com” account for email if desired.
No, you will not lose access to your emails, files, or other services. However, your account will become a consumer account, and some features available to institutional accounts may no longer be accessible. Your data will remain intact unless you choose to take action such as deleting your account or transferring data.
Once your account is converted to a consumer account, it will be governed by Google’s consumer Terms of Service and privacy policies. Lamar University will not be able to manage or recover your account, and you will be responsible for its security.
Lamar University may provide an official Google Workspace for Education account for all faculty, staff, and students. The university’s IT department will manage this account and will be accessed with your LEA.
Watch for official communications from Google.
Follow instructions to complete the conversion process.
Review your account settings and update your recovery information.
Can I use both accounts after the change?
Yes, you can use both your consumer account (formerly your Essentials Starter account) and the university-managed Google Workspace for Education account. Each will have distinct features and access controls.
Google will notify you of the transition required with a deadline of 72 hours. Google will provide a timeline for the conversion process. Please respond promptly to any communications and complete required steps by the indicated deadline to avoid disruptions in your account access.
Shared files and collaborations using your @lamar.edu email may continue to work, but you may need to adjust sharing permissions if switching between consumer and university-managed accounts. It’s recommended to review shared documents and update access as needed.