The Grove Summer Update

In April of this year, Information Technology Solutions (ITS) soft launched The Grove, UC Riverside's secure AI campus platform. Early adopters have provided valuable feedback, which is actively shaping how ITS develops the space. This summer, we are pleased to announce some of these developments. 

Our team has been hard at work expanding the capabilities of The Grove and planning a robust roadmap to help you work smarter. Here is a look at what is new, what is coming soon, and what is on the horizon for The Grove.

What's New

• Gemini Notebook: This is a source-grounded AI research assistant that lets you upload your own documents as source materials and uses Gemini to answer questions and summarize information strictly based on the materials you provide. With the integration of Gemini Notebook in The Grove, you can now connect and query your own documents, notes, and sources directly within your workspace. 

(Note that this is a separate instance from the standalone Gemini Notebook, formerly called NotebookLM. Existing notebooks in the standalone Gemini Notebook are currently not synced with Gemini Notebook in The Grove.)

• Expanded Data Connectors: We have rolled out new data source connectors, including DocuSign and Slack, to streamline your workflows. Some connectors will prompt you to authorize access to your UCR account. To proceed, select the “Authorize” button and follow the onscreen instructions.
• Gemini Canvas (Preview Feature): Now live under the Tools menu, Canvas allows you to build and collaborate on content in-line, offering an experience similar to the Canvas tool on gemini.google.com (Note: This feature is distinct from UCR’s Canvas LMS).
• Marketplace: You can now browse and request third-party agents directly from the Marketplace, accessible within the Agent gallery. Please note that admin review and approval are required before any new third-party agents can be enabled.

Coming Soon

• Canvas via Instructure (Canvas LMS): Targeted for the upcoming Fall semester, this integration will allow faculty and course teams to connect coursework directly to The Grove.
• ServiceNow Connector: A broader ServiceNow integration is currently in the planning stages. We are finalizing a comprehensive support strategy to ensure seamless integration without disrupting existing ticketing paths.
• More App Connectors: Expect to see Smartsheet, Jira, Confluence, and Google Chat added as connectors in the coming months.
• Additional Data and Productivity Connectors: Looker, Concur, and other connectors are currently in progress. Expect more announcements as these data sources go live!
• Community of Practice: We will soon launch a Community of Practice as a dedicated space for sharing tips, agent builds, and lessons learned. Stay tuned for details on how to join.

On the Horizon

• Enhanced Agent Designer: A visual interface to help you seamlessly orchestrate multi-step workflow agents.
• Agent Interoperability: The ability to utilize agents built on The Grove across your entire Google Workspace, expanding their utility beyond The Grove platform.
• Projects: The ability to organize your work with persistent file context, making ongoing collaboration more convenient.

To provide feedback or request assistance with The Grove, please reach out to UCR ITS via our Qualtrics form.