Overview
OpenAI's ChatGPT is a conversational AI tool that generates human-like text and facilitates interactive dialogue. It's widely used in areas such as customer support, education, and personal productivity. Known for its natural conversation flow and flexibility, ChatGPT can be customized for a range of applications, from enhancing classroom engagement to supporting administrative tasks.
MSU IT has secured an enterprise version of ChatGPT (ChatGPT EDU Edition) for use by faculty and staff. This version provides improved terms, enhanced data privacy, and institutional protections not available in public versions. Due to concerns with commercial terms, ChatGPT has been removed from Tier 1 of MSU’s Approved Software List. It is still available as a Tier 3 application, pending submission of an annual IT Readiness Form.
Students CANNOT access the ChatGPT EDU Edition environment directly, but Instructors may share content via the ChatGPT Store to students using free personal accounts.
ChatGPT EDU Edition vs Personal Accounts
MSU Environment Account (EDU Edition)
MSU offers access to ChatGPT EDU Edition, a version specifically designed for educational settings. It supports faculty and staff in creating lesson plans, generating academic content, and offering student support beyond classroom hours.
Key Features:
- Tailored for teaching and administrative use
- Secure and private communication
- Enhanced institutional data protections
- Supports the research mission of Michigan State University.
- This licensed version provides a secure platform for faculty and staff to explore AI-assisted research activities while protecting sensitive data. By aligning with MSU’s data governance and cybersecurity policies, the EDU Edition ensures that institutional and research data are handled appropriately and remain within approved systems.
- Using the EDU Edition allows researchers to confidently apply AI tools for data analysis, content generation, and other academic tasks, all while maintaining compliance with university guidelines and protecting intellectual property.
- Billed annually through a departmental account
- Cost: Same as ChatGPT Plus
- Login: Uses MSU’s OKTA authentication system
Personal ChatGPT Accounts
Personal accounts (free or paid) not purchased through the MSU Tech Store are managed entirely outside of the MSU environment and do not include MSU data privacy protections.
If created using an MSU email, users must log in using the “Continue with Password” option.
Purchasing ChatGPT via the MSU Tech Store
Faculty and staff can purchase an annual license through the MSU Tech Store using a departmental account.
Order Process:
- Submit order via MSU Tech Store.
- Receive an order confirmation email.
- Within 24–48 hours, a second email will provide ChatGPT account setup details.
Need Help or More Info?
- Visit: tech.msu.edu/ai
- Contact your local IT staff
- Or call the MSU IT Service Desk: 517-432-6200