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Summary
The OpenAI API Platform allows MSU developers, researchers, and departments to integrate OpenAI models programmatically into applications using secure API keys. Projects are managed under MSU’s enterprise OpenAI organization with role-based access, project-based billing, and data protection aligned with university policy.
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Description
The OpenAI API Platform enables developers to build applications using OpenAI models through API access. The service supports both academic and enterprise use cases, allowing departments to create, manage, and monitor projects under the MSU-managed OpenAI organization.
Users can request projects, issue API keys, and integrate OpenAI capabilities such as text generation, embeddings, assistants, fine-tuning, and vector storage into their tools or workflows.
For an overview, visit: Overview – OpenAI API.
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Data Classification and Acceptable Use
Use of the OpenAI API Platform must follow Michigan State University’s AI governance and data handling policies.
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Common Use Cases
- Developing departmental tools or chatbots using GPT models.
- Creating fine-tuned assistants for administrative or research purposes.
- Integrating natural language processing into existing enterprise or academic systems.
- Automating text-based analysis, summarization, and information retrieval.
For more examples and community libraries, see Libraries – OpenAI API.
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Initial Purchase and Ongoing Costs
The OpenAI API Platform uses market-rate, pay-per-use pricing based on tokens consumed.
- Usage is billed monthly to the project’s assigned departmental billing account.
- Each project is tied to one billing number.
- Project Members can view cumulative monthly costs within the OpenAI dashboard.
- Optional Budget Alerts and Budget Limits can be configured to manage spending.
For current pricing, visit: Pricing – OpenAI API.
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How to Request Access
To request access to the OpenAI API Platform:
- Complete the OpenAI API Access Request Form.
- The MSU IT Generative AI Platform team will review your request.
- Once approved, a project will be created under MSU’s OpenAI organization.
- Email invitations will be sent to all designated Project Members.
- The designated Project Members can log in using their MSU NetID, generate API keys, and monitor the project's API token usage.
Each project may include multiple members and is associated with one billing account number.
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How to Request Assistance
For technical assistance or project management help:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my ChatGPT Edu license for the API?
No. The ChatGPT Edu web platform and the OpenAI API Platform are separate services. API usage is billed independently and does not require a ChatGPT EDU license.
How do I access my project and API keys?
Log into the OpenAI Developer Platform. In the upper-left corner, set your organization to msu-chatgptedu, then select your project. Project members can create, revoke, and manage their own API keys and monitor the API usage.
What models are available in the OpenAI API Platform, and how much do they cost?
All available models, along with their pricing details, are listed on the Models – OpenAI API.
I already created an OpenAI API Platform account using my MSU email. How can I regain access to my personal organization that I created previously?
To regain access to your personal OpenAI API Platform organization, please submit a Request Assistance Form including your name and MSU email address. The Generative AI Platform team will then add you to our identity provider (IDP), restoring your access to your personal organization.
However, we recommend using the MSU organization (msu-chatgptedu) for improved enterprise data protection. To request access, please complete the OpenAI API Access Request Form.
What happens if my project exceeds the budget limit?
If a project reaches its set budget limit, further API requests will be rejected until the next billing cycle. For continuous or production use cases, it’s best to configure this limit carefully to avoid service interruptions.
How to change my project budget alerts and budget limit?
Submit Request Assistance Form including:
- Project name
- Updated budget alerts and budget limit
The MSU IT Generative AI Platform team will apply those changes accordingly.
What security measures should I follow with API keys?
Treat all API keys as confidential credentials:
- Do not share keys publicly or store them in unsecured code repositories.
- Never include them in client-side code or web applications.
- Project members are responsible for maintaining the security of their issued keys.
For more information about API key security best practices, visit Security and API Key Safety | OpenAI Help Center
How do I add or remove project members to my project?
Submit Request Assistance Form including:
- Project name
- Member’s name and MSU email address
The MSU IT Generative AI Platform team will add or remove them accordingly.
How can I terminate my project?
Submit a Request Assistance Form with your project name and request to terminate. The Generative AI Platform team will archive the project, remove all project members, and finalize billing. Keep in mind that this archiving process cannot be undone.
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Related Services / Offerings
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