ChatGPT Edu, a version of ChatGPT curated for educational institutions, launched at Fresno State on March 17.
Faculty and staff without a ChatGPT subscription were automatically enrolled on March 17. However, students will receive an email with specific instructions on how to enroll in the coming days. For students, the access date is yet to be determined.
The launch comes after the California State University’s (CSU) announcement in February that it would adopt an artificial intelligence (AI) initiative for all 23 CSU campuses, and would be the nation’s first university system to be powered by AI technology.
The chancellor’s office signed an 18-month contract to license ChatGPT that spans from February 2025 to July 2026, with an option to extend the contract. This system will cost around $17 million.
“ChatGPT Edu is tailored for educational institutions, enabling advanced capabilities like data analytics, web browsing, document summarization, the ability to build and share custom GPTs, higher message limits, support for over 50 languages and security and administrative controls,” said Bao Johri, the vice president for information technology (IT) and chief information officer.
The goal of ChatGPT Edu is to help students and staff become more familiar with learning how to use AI tools, elevate the learning experience for students, help with research and develop jobs related to AI in California.
The use of ChatGPT Edu must also follow initial AI guidelines to deter students and faculty from using the new software as a replacement for their own thoughts and judgment. Additionally, students and faculty are advised not to share any personal or confidential information with ChatGPT Edu.
Jeffrey Cummins, a political science professor at Fresno State who is enrolling in ChatGPT Edu, shared his thoughts on how the program can affect students.
“I am concerned that students will rely on it to do the work that they should be learning on their own, such as brainstorming ideas, critically thinking about events and the political system and doing research,” Cummins said. “I want students to learn these skills on their own and gain knowledge on their own and then later on they could use AI in more advanced work.”
The guidelines for how ChatGPT Edu is operated can evolve with the collective guidance of the AI Policy, Ethics and Governance Committee, along with the Academic Senate.
“The Office of IDEAS has curated a list of AI resources, including AI-related syllabus templates, to help faculty guide their students in the appropriate use of Generative AI in their classes,” Johri said.
