Introduction
Visit the ChatGPT Edu Pilot page for news and general information about the ChatGPT Edu pilot.
Disclaimer: Some content in this article is still under development and will be updated when we have more information to share.
Contents
Instructions
Guidance for Using ChatGPT Edu
Responsible Use of Generative AI
The technologies and circumstances surrounding AI continue evolving. Our efforts to provide interim guidance may be superseded by formal governance or legislation at any time.
As a pilot participant, you agree to follow the principles, guidance, and security guidelines in Responsible AI Principles - ChatGPT Edu. Please also see the use case guides linked in those principles specific to researchers, instructors, and administration/operations.
Saving Content
Since this is a pilot with no promise of continued access and because your data—chats and Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs)—cannot be migrated out of the ChatGPT Edu workspace at the end of the pilot, we recommend you save a copy of any information you want to keep long-term in an appropriate location, such as a document, outside of ChatGPT.
Accessing ChatGPT Edu
If selected for the pilot, you will obtain access to ChatGPT Edu by:
- Completing the ChatGPT Edu Training on PDN Canvas.
- Receiving an email invitation to ChatGPT Edu within 1-2 business days.
- Creating or migrating an existing @vt.edu ChatGPT account from your invitation email.
Before proceeding, please carefully review the following terms of participation in this pilot program:
- You must use your primary email address (i.e., [Your PID]@vt.edu) to sign up for and access ChatGPT Edu. This is the address we will use to invite you to ChatGPT Edu. Virginia Tech email aliases cannot be used to log into ChatGPT Edu at this time.
- If you have a ChatGPT Free or ChatGPT Plus account associated with your primary email, then upon invitation to the pilot, you must choose either to migrate your existing chats and GPTs or to export your existing data. If you migrate your data to ChatGPT Edu, then your chat history and GPTs will be owned by and remain in the ChatGPT Edu workspace. You will not be able to migrate your chat history or GPTs back to a Free or Plus account in the future. The other option is to export your chat history, but that history cannot be reimported into a ChatGPT account.
- If your primary email address is associated with a ChatGPT Team plan, then you will use the single sign-on (SSO) option to log into ChatGPT Edu and the other login methods (such as password or social login) to access your Teams workspace.
- If you have a ChatGPT account using a Virginia Tech email alias, that account should not be affected by your participation in this pilot.
- If you have a free or paid account, whether with your primary email or alias email, that uses the Developer Platform (https://platform.openai.com), then your access to the Developer Platform should not be affected.
- Your conversations in ChatGPT are generally private, though there are cases where authorized university personnel may access conversations in accordance with VT policies. We recommend not inputting sensitive or personal information into ChatGPT Edu. Please keep this in mind if you are prompted to migrate or export data from an existing account. For details, please see the question on our FAQ “Who can see my conversations with ChatGPT Edu?”
Creating Your Account
The first time setting up your account, you must use a web browser. Do not use the ChatGPT mobile app for initial setup.
The steps below assume that you have completed the ChatGPT Edu Canvas training and received an invitation email to ChatGPT Edu.
To create your ChatGPT Edu account:
- Go to the email invite in your inbox and click Join workspace to launch the website.
- Click the Log in button.
- Type your primary email ([PID]@vt.edu) and click Continue.
- You may be redirected to the VT Login page or you may be presented with a list of login options. If you see a list of login options, then select chatgpt-edu-pilot SSO from the list.
- Log in with your PID and PID passphrase and complete your 2 factor authentication.
- You are now added to the ChatGPT Edu workspace. See the step below that applies to whether you had a ChatGPT account at your primary email address and what kind of account it is.
- No existing ChatGPT account: follow the prompts to create a new account.
- Existing primary email @vt.edu account with a Free or Plus plan: you must choose between two options:
- Transfer existing chat history and GPTs to your account when migrating into the ChatGPT Edu workspace. If you choose this option, your chat history and GPTs will be owned by the ChatGPT Edu workspace. Please note that you will not be able to migrate your existing chat history or GPTs back to a Free or Plus account nor to another workspace.
- Export and delete existing chat history. This option will only export your chat history. There is no way to import the exported chat history into other ChatGPT accounts or workspaces.
- Existing primary email @vt.edu account with a Team plan: you will have a new ChatGPT Edu workspace added alongside your existing workspace. No chats or GPTs will be migrated.
Logging into ChatGPT
- In your browser, go to https://chatgpt.com.
- Click the Log in button.
- Type your primary email ([PID]@vt.edu) and click Continue.
- You may be redirected to the VT Login page or you may be presented with a list of login options. If the latter happens, then select chatgpt-edu-pilot SSO from the list.
- Log in with your PID and PID passphrase and complete your two-factor authentication.
Downloading ChatGPT
The ChatGPT desktop and mobile versions can be downloaded and used, but the permission to install on your devices may need permission from your departmental IT.
Desktop App
The ChatGPT desktop application is approved for use, but the permission to install on your devices may depend on your departmental IT’s policies.
For macOS users, please note that the desktop app is only available for macOS 14+ with Apple Silicon (M1 or above) and will not work on Intel-based macOS computers.
- Go to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Download Center.
- Click Download for macOS or Download for Windows to save the installer on your computer.
- Launch the ChatpGPT Installer and follow the instructions to install the application.
- If you do not have permission to install software on your computer, you will need to reach out to your departmental IT for assistance with the installation.
- Locate ChatGPT in your Applications or Programs folder and open it.
- Click Log in to sign in using the steps in the section above on Accessing ChatGPT Edu - Logging into ChatGPT.
Mobile App
For information on the mobile application, check out the ChatGPT Android app - FAQ or the ChatGPT iOS app FAQ.
- On your mobile device, go to the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices.
- Search for the ChatGPT app by OpenAI.
- Download the app.
- If you do not have permission to install software on your device, you will need to reach out to your departmental IT for assistance with the installation.
- Launch the app to sign in using the steps in the section above on Accessing ChatGPT Edu - Logging into ChatGPT.
Training & Resources
We provide general training resources on ChatGPT Edu but cannot offer role-specific training. As part of the pilot, we want you to try ChatGPT responsibly in your role and provide feedback to help us understand its effectiveness.
Training
Current training resources include asynchronous mandatory training on Generative AI and responsible AI usage along with optional training on how to use ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Access the Canvas training site for:
- (Required) Generative AI and responsible AI usage: This module is mandatory, asynchronous training in order to receive a ChatGPT Edu license. Its focus is on introducing you to generative AI and going over responsible use and AI principles.
- Define GenAI
- Identify key challenges and limitations of using GenAI
- Acknowledge responsible AI principles
- (Optional) ChatGPT 101 training by OpenAI: With this training, you can review how ChatGPT can help you in your work tasks and familiarize you with the interface and prompting.
- (Optional) ChatGPT 102 training by OpenAI: The purpose of this video is to apply ChatGPT to reduce workload as well as how to build a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) (a fine-tuned version of ChatGPT).
You can sign up for several office hour sessions to get answers to your questions and obtain hands-on support. For the enrollment link, please refer to the available sessions on the Canvas training site Office Hours page. As sessions become available, they will be listed on that page.
If you review the training materials but still have difficulty using ChatGPT Edu, please go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, select Get Help, and let us know that you need help learning to use ChatGPT Edu.
Troubleshooting
I don’t have access to Virginia Tech ChatGPT Edu.
Typically within 1-2 business days of completing the mandatory Canvas training and agreeing to the responsible AI principles, you’ll receive an email invite to join ChatGPT Edu.
If you completed the mandatory training, and 1-2 business days have passed but you still have not received an invitation to create a ChatGPT Edu account, please go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help to let us know you completed the training but still have not been invited to ChatGPT Edu.
I can’t log into ChatGPT Edu.
- If you have trouble accessing your account, please go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help to let us know you completed the training but still have not been invited to ChatGPT Edu.
- If you've forgotten your PID, go to Finding My Forgotten VT Username (PID).
- If you've forgotten your PID passphrase, go to Changing or Resetting My Password.
I can’t download ChatGPT onto my desktop.
ChatGPT can be downloaded onto your device if it meets the system requirements.
- Windows 10 version 17763.0 or higher.
- macOS 14+ with Apple Silicon (M1 or better).
- Check your Macbook specs to ensure you meet the requirements. Intel-based macOS users cannot download the app.
If you do not have administrator access on your device and your device meets the minimum requirements for the app, then please discuss with your departmental IT about whether they can install the application for you.
I can’t download ChatGPT onto my phone.
Having issues downloading ChatGPT on your mobile devices? Common issues include:
- Compatibility of your phone. To check your phone's compatibility, see:
- Low storage space. To check your storage:
- Android: Go to Settings > Storage.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Getting Help
We can only assist with issues related to access or basic use of ChatGPT Edu. We cannot help with other ChatGPT subscriptions (e.g., Free, Plus, or Teams) or with OpenAI’s API Platform.
Having issues using ChatGPT Edu or need help?
- Check OpenAI’s service status dashboard to see if ChatGPT is currently experiencing issues.
- Contact OpenAI Support by clicking the help icon at the bottom right of ChatGPT, then Help & FAQ to start a chat or by emailing support@openai.com.
- If you still need help or want to talk to our Virginia Tech support team, go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help.
FAQs
Does OpenAI use my conversations and data in ChatGPT Edu for training?
No. If you have multiple ChatGPT subscriptions, check that you are using ChatGPT Edu for your work and not a different ChatGPT account/plan that you may have.
Does OpenAI own the content or data I use with ChatGPT Edu?
No. The inputs and outputs with ChatGPT Edu are not owned by OpenAI. Be sure you are using ChatGPT Edu and not a different account/plan that you may have.
Can I still join the ChatGPT Edu pilot?
Please see the section on interest in joining the pilot on the ChatGPT Edu Pilot web page.
What kind of data can I use with ChatGPT Edu?
You can only use low and moderate-risk data. You cannot use high-risk data. To help you identify high-risk data, see the Data Risk Classification table on page 2 of the Virginia Tech Risk Classification Standard. See the “Secure and protect data and privacy” of the Responsible AI Principles - ChatGPT Edu document for more specific guidance, some examples and additional information.
What are the limits on my ChatGPT Edu conversations?
The “context window” (the maximum amount of text input you enter and output response from the model in a single conversation) is 32,000 tokens. This is roughly about 24,000 words or 40-50 single-spaced pages of text, depending on formatting/content density. Also, there are some limits to GPT-4.0 model access. These limits are unspecified, but it is expected fewer than 1% of those using ChatGPT Edu will reach those limits.
What sharing and GPT access features can I use or not use in Virginia Tech’s ChatGPT Edu instance?
These features and permissions may change.
You can:
- Share your conversations with other individual pilot participants.
- Share generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) you create with other pilot participants, either as individuals or groups.
You cannot:
- Download 3rd-party GPTs.
- Share GPTs or conversations with non-pilot participants.
Can I use the ChatGPT desktop app or mobile app?
Please see Downloading ChatGPT.
What’s the difference between ChatGPT Edu and ChatGPT Enterprise?
ChatGPT Edu and ChatGPT are similar, but not the same. ChatGPT Edu has contractual terms more appropriate to higher education institutions. They share most of the same features, but with differences such as the context window size.
What’s the difference between ChatGPT Edu and ChatGPT Free/Plus/Teams?
The main differences are that ChatGPT Edu:
- Has been approved for low and moderate risk data through Virginia Tech’s procurement process.
- Keeps chats and GPTs in one workspace.
- Puts all pilot participants into one workspace, which facilitates sharing between workspace members and allows for central management. For example, administrators of ChatGPT Edu can create groups for teams or departments that want to easily share GPTs with one another.
How can I share my GPTs with my department or team?
ChatGPT Edu administrators can create groups to facilitate sharing GPTs among departments or teams. If you would like a group created, please contact our Virginia Tech support team by going to the 4Help Portal, signing in, and selecting Get Help. In the ticket you submit, please specify the name for the group and list the PIDs and names of the people who should be group members.
Who can see my conversations with ChatGPT Edu?
Access to conversations in ChatGPT Edu is guided by university policies and federal regulations to ensure privacy and proper use. Access is managed as follows:
- Your conversations are generally private: Your ChatGPT Edu conversations are not publicly visible or used by OpenAI to train its models. However, as with other university-provided tools, some access by authorized personnel may occur under specific circumstances.
- Authorized access: According to Virginia Tech’s policies on electronic information (such as Policy 7035), authorized university personnel may access electronic communications, including ChatGPT Edu conversations, when it is necessary for legitimate business purposes such as ensuring compliance with university policies, resolving security concerns, or responding to legal obligations.
- User responsibility: It is advised not to input sensitive or personal information into ChatGPT Edu, as privacy and security depend on the nature of the data being used. You should also follow Acceptable Use of Information Systems at Virginia Tech.
As regards OpenAI’s employees ability to view your conversations: “Authorized OpenAI employees will only ever access your conversations for the purposes of resolving incidents, recovering end user conversations with your explicit permission, or where required by applicable law.” (from the ChatGPT Enterprise and ChatGPT Edu FAQ response to: “Who can view conversations and chat history in ChatGPT Enterprise and ChatGPT Edu?”).
In addition to the above, Virginia Tech’s ChatGPT Edu workspace administrators also have access to a User analytics dashboard of aggregated usage data across the workspace.
I deleted a conversation or a GPT I made, can you restore it?
Unfortunately, once a conversation or GPT is deleted, it cannot be restored.
Can students use ChatGPT Edu?
No, ChatGPT Edu was not reviewed for student data. However, GA/GTA/GRAs are eligible for the ChatGPT Edu pilot if they applied to the pilot and consented to sharing select personal data with OpenAI and using ChatGPT Edu in their capacity as a GA/GTA/GRA.
OpenAI rolled out a new ChatGPT feature, when will it be available?
ChatGPT is an evolving tool. Some features may be automatically enabled as the pilot progresses while others may be optional to enable. If there are security concerns around optional features, then those features may not be enabled.
Why might I have my ChatGPT Edu license revoked?
Your ChatGPT Edu license may be revoked if:
- You do not respond to feedback surveys or participate in feedback activities (e.g., interviews) required for the pilot.
- You do not log in for 60 days.
- We become aware of misuse or irresponsible use of ChatGPT.