Gemini is a general-purpose generative AI assistant. It can generate text, summarize information, brainstorm ideas, assist with drafting, explain concepts, and support problem-solving.
Gemini excels at planning, drafting, explanation, and conversational assistance
NotebookLM can summarize, analyze, and synthesize information, but users remain fully responsible for the data they provide, the outputs they rely on, and any decisions or actions taken based on those outputs. NotebookLM works from your sources, making it particularly well suited for research, study, policy analysis, and knowledge management.
Notebook LM excels when accuracy, traceability, and source fidelity matter more than creative ideation.
Copilot Chat is a general-purpose generative AI assistant. It can generate text, summarize information, assist with drafting, explain concepts, and support problem-solving.
Copilot Chat excels at drafting, explanation, planning, and conversational assistance.
Users must use the “Microsoft 365 Copilot/Copilot Chat” app — not the standard Windows Copilot app — when working with Siena data. Always confirm you are signed in with your Siena credentials inside the Copilot M365 app before entering any sensitive University information.
Explore, compare, and find your go-to AI tool at Siena.
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| PRODUCT NAME | Google Gemini | Google NotebookLM | Copilot Chat |
| BEST FOR | Brainstorming, writing, quick answers | Deep research, studying, working with your own materials | Everyday productivity, quick help inside Microsoft tools |
| HOW IT WORKS | Chat-based AI with access to general knowledge + web | AI grounded in your uploaded sources (PDFs, notes, etc.) | Chat-based AI connected to Microsoft ecosystem |
| STRENGTHS | Fast, flexible creative thinking partner | Accurate, source-based answers with citations | Seamless integration with Word, Excel, etc |
| CONTENT SOURCES | Web + general AI knowledge | Only what you upload | Web + Microsoft 365 data |
| OUTPUTS | Writing, summaries, ideas, emails, code | Study guides, summaries, outlines | Emails, summaries, drafts, meeting notes |
| Best use case at Siena | Drafting ideas, exploring topics | Studying readings, analyzing research, organizing class materials | Polishing work, summarizing meetings, working in Office apps |
| When to choose it | "I need help getting started." | "I need to understand this material deeply." | "I need help organizing my work." |
GOOGLE GEMINIStart here (ideas, drafts and quick help)
GOOGLE NOTEBOOK LMGo deeper (your sources, your research)
Microsoft Copilot ChatGet it done (polish and organize)
Explore the principles and expectations that guide responsible AI use at Siena.
Siena University supports the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including generative and agentic AI systems and other emerging or future AI-enabled technologies, to enhance learning, teaching, research, and administrative operations. All members of the Siena community are expected to use AI technologies in ways that align with federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations, as well as all University policies, including but not limited to the Acceptable Use Policy and Data Classification Policy.
This policy establishes the appropriate use of Siena University’s information technology resources in a responsible manner, in accordance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations. For this policy, information technology resources refers to technology supporting the academic, research, administrative, creative, and service mission of the institution. This policy aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, security, availability and performance of the University’s resources.
Siena University has a large store of data, tracking everything we do. In order to better control that data this policy describes classification “buckets” which define the level of control needed for each individual datum. Those buckets, or classifications are: Public, Sensitive, Restricted.
