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Summary
ChatGPT EDU is Michigan State University’s enterprise version of OpenAI’s conversational AI platform. It provides a secure, compliant environment for teaching, research, and administrative productivity. Unlike public versions of ChatGPT, the EDU Edition offers enhanced data privacy, institutional protections, and MSU-managed access.
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Description
ChatGPT EDU is OpenAI’s conversational AI tool provided under an MSU-managed license. It generates human-like responses, facilitates dialogue, and supports faculty and staff in tasks such as instructional design, research writing, and administrative work.
This enterprise version ensures compliance with MSU’s data governance and cybersecurity policies, protecting sensitive data and institutional research.
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Data Classification and Acceptable Use
Use of ChatGPT EDU must comply with Michigan State University’s data governance and acceptable use policies.
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Common Use Cases
- Instructional design: Create lesson plans, class activities, and grading rubrics.
- Academic writing: Draft abstracts, research summaries, and literature reviews.
- Research assistance: Summarize datasets or generate plain-language explanations.
- Administrative efficiency: Create reports, meeting summaries, and communication templates.
- Content creation: Brainstorm, outline, or rewrite text with clarity and structure.
- Custom GPT: Build personalized customGPTs for instructional, research, or administrative use.
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Initial Purchase and Ongoing Costs
ChatGPT EDU is a paid, institutionally managed license available to MSU faculty, staff and students.
- Faculty, Staff and Student: Purchase annually through departmental billing at the MSU Tech Store.
- Billing: Departmental account (billed annually).
- Login: Access via MSU OKTA single sign-on.
Order Process:
- Submit an order through the ChatGPT EDU Edition | MSU Tech Store
- You’ll receive an order confirmation email.
- Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive an invitation email with ChatGPT EDU login details.
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How to Request Assistance
For technical help, billing questions, or account migration assistance:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I keep using my personal ChatGPT account?
Yes. You may maintain a separate personal (free or paid) ChatGPT account. However, personal accounts are managed outside MSU’s environment and do not include MSU’s data protections or compliance controls.
If your personal ChatGPT account was created with your @msu.edu email address, log in using the “Continue with Password” option.
I already have a personal ChatGPT account using my @msu.edu email. How do I move to the EDU version?
Once you request your Edu license, you’ll receive an email invitation to join the Edu workspace. The next time you login to ChatGPT, you will be prompted to decide how you want to transition your existing workspace. You will have two options:
- Transfer existing chat history and GPTs
This option will merge your existing chat history and settings into the new university-provided workspace.
OR
- Export and delete your existing chat history.
This option will delete all your content from your current MSU account, will not migrate any data into your Edu account, but it will allow you to more easily create a new personal account using the exported chats.
Important:
- If you do not migrate your existing content when prompted to do so, your content will be lost and cannot be recovered.
- If option “Export and delete” is selected, any custom GPTs you have created will be deleted and cannot be recovered.
- If you have a paid subscription, it will be automatically canceled when you join the Edu workspace and you will receive a pro-rated refund.
Does ChatGPT EDU use my data to train models?
No. ChatGPT EDU operates within OpenAI’s enterprise environment and does not use institutional data for model training.
What models are available in ChatGPT EDU and are there any usage limitations for each model?
ChatGPT EDU gives access to the latest flagship model and ChatGPT EDU users will have much higher usage limits than free users. But there’s still usage limitations for some models. See the following link for details and latest update: ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu - Models & Limits | OpenAI Help Center
Can I use Atlas Web Browser within ChatGPT Edu?
No. The Atlas Web Browser feature is currently disabled in MSU’s ChatGPT Edu environment. This restriction is in place to protect university data and maintain compliance with MSU’s data governance policies.
Am I allowed to use connectors within ChatGPT Edu?
By default, all third-party connectors (such as Google Drive, Slack, or other cloud service integrations) are disabled in MSU’s ChatGPT Edu workspace to maintain data security and compliance.
If you require the use of a connector for instructional, research, or administrative purposes, please submit a request through the MSU IT Generative AI Platform: Request Assistance with your justification and intended use case. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by MSU IT for data security and policy compliance.
Can I share created CustomGPT with others?
Yes, you may share CustomGPTs within the MSU ChatGPT Edu workspace to collaborate with other MSU faculty, staff, and approved MSU users.
If you wish to share a CustomGPT publicly, it must use only publicly available data and contain no institutional, confidential, or restricted information.
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Related Services / Offerings
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