University of Utah Launches Secure ChatGPT Edu for Students, Faculty & Staff
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah has rolled out ChatGPT Edu, a campus-wide generative AI tool designed to provide a secure adn academically-focused environment for utilizing the power of artificial intelligence. The launch, announced today, aims to position the U at the forefront of AI integration in higher education and builds upon the university’s existing $100 million Responsible AI Initiative.
ChatGPT Edu offers access to the latest OpenAI models, advanced data analysis, search, and multimodal capabilities, alongside integration with Canvas and custom GPTs, and AI image generation. Importantly, the university emphasizes that the tool will not utilize university data for training purposes and benefits from university-wide security measures, making it a safer alternative to personal accounts.
“We’re excited for our community to use this tool in a way that’s secure, optimized for academic work and aligned with our values,” said a university spokesperson.
Access to ChatGPT’s advanced features will soon be available through a credit-based purchasing system for U. users.
According to chief Innovation Officer Dan Parashar, the university envisions widespread adoption across all sectors. “I think people will be very creative in how they use it in whatever they do,” he stated. “The idea here is to help them amplify (and) accelerate what they do… whether they are students, professors, administrators, or researchers.”
While acknowledging the potential for misuse, Parashar stressed that AI should be viewed as a complement to, not a replacement for, conventional academic work. “This is not a replacement, a shortcut to do your work. It’s not about cheating, it’s not about plagiarism,” he emphasized. “You are responsible for your work.”
The launch of ChatGPT edu follows the university’s October 2023 launch of the Responsible AI Initiative and the establishment of the U.’s AI Office earlier this year, demonstrating a commitment to responsible AI growth and request.
“How do we leverage this technology most effectively to help us better accomplish the university’s mission?” Parashar asked. “Part of that is making sure that we are we have access to the latest technology, and this is one of those.”
Training resources for ChatGPT Edu are available at https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/u-launches-chatgpt-edu-a-university-centered-generative-ai-tool-for-campus-use/.
