Introduction
The ChatGPT Edu pilot, which was extended through 2026 with no promise of continued access, provides access to a conversational generative AI (Gen AI) interface to full-time university employees and graduate assistants.
Contents
Instructions
Joining Virginia Tech's ChatGPT Edu Workspace
We are currently not accepting new members to the ChatGPT Edu workspace, though this may change in the future.
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 Our efforts to provide interim guidance may be superseded by formal governance or legislation at any time.
Please see Virginia Tech’s AI Principles at Responsible and Ethical AI Principles for broad guidance on using AI. At present, ChatGPT Edu has only been reviewed and approved for up to moderate risk data. For examples of low and moderate risk data, please see the table in section 2.1 Data Risk Classification table on Virginia Tech’s Risk Classification Standard.
Saving Content
Since this is a pilot with no promise of continued access and because your data (such as chats, projects, and Generative Pre-trained Transformers or 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 you are invited to join ChatGPT Edu, you obtain access 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 Business 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 Business 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 Business 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 ChatGPT 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.
Credit-Based Usage
In January 2026, OpenAI implemented a new business model that consumes credits when advanced large language models (Thinking or Pro) and features (Deep Research, image generation, or voice) are used. Credits are not needed to use the base model and features such as search, file upload, and canvas.
- Note: The default model selects the response model automatically and, if credits are available and your account is not configured to auto-switch to Thinking mini, the picker may select a Thinking or Pro model, which would consume credits.
To manage costs, we will be providing most users with a limited, weekly replenishing allowance for credit-based features.
Two levels of access are available to pilot participants:
- Base access: Access to basic features that do not require credits.
- Advanced access: Access to basic features plus advanced features, with a limited credit allowance provided.
Access levels are designated based on applications to the ChatGPT Edu pilot extension.
Base access: Credit-using features such as deep research, voice mode, image generation, Thinking & Pro models appear “grayed out” in the interface as they are not available for use. There are no limits to utilizing non-credit-based features, such as search, file upload, canvas, and others.
Advanced access: If you have advanced access and reach your credit limit, you will see messages and changes in the interface, such as those shown in the screenshots below.
If you run out of advanced model access, you will see: “0 message remaining.” Please ignore the direction to “Upgrade to Plus to keep the conversation going.”
When a feature is no longer available, it will appear washed out in the interface and, if you hover over it with your cursor, will inform you of when it will be usable again. As a reminder, we will not be able to increase credits, so you will need to wait until your credits replenish.
You may also go to submit a prompt and be informed of the credit limit.
Exporting Data from ChatGPT Edu
By requesting an export of your data from OpenAI, you can get access to the content of your conversations in HTML or JSON format. For other items you want to save, such as generated images, GPT and project instructions/sources, and memories, we recommend in addition to a data export that you follow the steps in the section Manually Saving Your Work. Although OpenAI’s documentation states that processing takes up to 7 days, we received exports in approximately 24 hours.
To export your data from ChatGPT Edu:
- Log in to Virginia Tech’s ChatGPT Edu workspace at chatgpt.com. Do not use the desktop app because it does not provide the option to export data.
- At the bottom left, click the VT logo.
- Select Settings.
- Select Data controls.
- Next to the Export data label, select the Export button.
- Review the confirmation text and, if you agree, click the Confirm export button.
- You should see a confirmation message “Successfully requested your data export” and receive an email from OpenAI confirming that you requested a copy of your ChatGPT data.
- In our testing, sometimes we did not receive the confirmation message or the email the first time through these steps. If this happens, then please repeat them until you receive a confirmation.
- You will receive an email when the export is ready, typically in 24 hours. Sign in to the ChatGPT Edu workspace and then click the Download data export button in the email. According to OpenAI’s documentation, the downloaded ZIP file can include:
- Conversations.json, or numbered conversation JSON files for larger exports
- Files and other assets used in conversations
- Account and conversation metadata
Important: the email link to download your data export will expire, so you should go ahead and click Download data export. Do not save the email with the intent to access the export later.
This export will include a chat.html file containing content from all your conversations, as well as conversations-###.json files that are your conversations (split into multiple files) in a different format and .dat files, among others. The .dat files are likely images, though not in every case. In some cases, we were unable to identify the correct file type of a .dat file. If a .dat file is an image, you can view it by renaming the file to the appropriate file type (e.g., change <filename>.dat to <filename>.png or <filename>.jpg). We do not know of an easy way to identify the original file type of a .dat file.
In our testing, the exported data does not include images generated by ChatGPT, memories, GPT instructions or sources, or project instructions or sources. For these items that you want to save, we recommend manually copying/pasting the information outside of ChatGPT Edu. We have not tested if the data export includes skills, Spaces, or other features, so we recommend you manually save these contents.
The screenshot below shows an example of chat.html file contents from a ChatGPT Edu export. Each conversation is in its own bordered container and is stored in a markdown format (i.e., plain text with symbols for formatting). You can see your input (User) and the model’s output (ChatGPT).
Manually Saving Your Work
There is some content that you will need to manually save since it is not included in ChatGPT Edu exports. The instructions below go over how to save your work. You should use ChatGPT Edu in a web browser rather than the desktop applications for these steps since the desktop application can have a different user interface and lacks some functionality of ChatGPT Edu’s web interface.
Please know that you will not be able to automatically migrate your ChatGPT Edu data to another ChatGPT plan.
- Chats:
- Copy the content you want to save from chats and paste it into another appropriate location (e.g., a document).
- For long conversations you want to save in their entirety, you can view the chat and, using your web browser’s print feature, save the conversation as a PDF.
- For conversations with embedded sources (e.g., Thinking or Pro chats), you can retain in-text links by using the “Copy response” button at the bottom of the chat.
- Projects: There is no way to export/save a project, aside from copying out individual conversations or downloading sources you provided. If useful, you may navigate to your project, start a new conversation in the project, and ask ChatGPT Edu to summarize your work in that project, and then copy this information and use it as a starting point to resume work in another tool.
- Images: You can view the "Images" part of the app (from the left sidebar bar) and scroll to the bottom to see all images you have generated. You can select images from there and save them using the download icon shown in the screenshot below. Alternatively, you can navigate to the conversation containing the image, select the image to expand it, select the share icon (an upward arrow above a flat “U”-shaped line), and then select the “Download” button.
- View all images you created from the gallery (outside of conversations) by clicking the three dots, then Images.
- Manually save an image from a conversation by clicking the download button.
- View all images you created from the gallery (outside of conversations) by clicking the three dots, then Images.
- Deep Research: You can export Deep Research reports using the download/export options shown below.
- Memories: You can view any memories ChatGPT Edu has saved by logging into the web version of ChatGPT Edu, selecting the VT icon at the bottom left, selecting Personalization, find the "Saved memories" label and select the "Manage" button. You can copy these and may find ways to use them in other tools.
- GPTs: If you created a GPT, then we suggest going into Edit > Configure and manually save any instructions, settings, and knowledge files you want to keep. You should do this before December 11, 2026.
- Skills: From the left sidebar, go to Plugins, then select Skills. Copy and paste the relevant content of the skill to another document.
Using Your ChatGPT Edu Data with Other Platforms
There is no simple way to import all your data into other generative AI platforms, and we do not recommend uploading all your exported content into a chat conversation because context window limitations will prevent the model seeing all the attached content.
Currently, other platforms may lack certain ChatGPT Edu features. You may want to save content you copied out (such as memories) anyways in case you can use in future platforms.
Here are some recommended ways to bring your ChatGPT Edu data into other platforms based on features available as of October 16, 2026:
- Finding past chats: If you exported your data from ChatGPT Edu and want to reference conversations from a past chat, then find the chat.html file and locate the chat using content you can recall with your browsers find text function (Ctrl+F on Windows and Cmd+F on macOS). Although not recommended, you may be able to attach the JSON file exports of your chats and use another generative AI platform to track down specific conversations, though this will depend on the tool’s context window and capabilities.
- Chats: In all available generative AI tools, you can resume a conversation by copying/pasting the relevant parts of the conversation, a summary of the conversation, or attaching it as a file and asking to pick up where you left off. You will have better results by not including irrelevant text (e.g., unrelated conversations), so it’s best to only copy in relevant content.
- GPTs/Agents: You can take existing instructions and sources you copied from ChatGPT Edu and create a personal Agent in HokieAI, a Gemini Gem (select your Profile from the bottom left, select ‘Gems’, and select ‘New Gem’), or a Workspace in llm.arc.vt.edu (select ‘Workspace’ from the sidebar, select ‘Create’).
- Projects: You can create a new Project in HokieAI (select ‘Projects’ from the sidebar and select ‘New Project’) and then add a summary of your chats (or specific chats) from another project as project Knowledge. Note that a Project in HokieAI is not exactly the same as a Project in ChatGPT Edu (they both organize chats and have common instructions, but ChatGPT Edu projects have project-only memory shared among chats).
- Memory: There is no memory feature in current versions of HokieAI or the VT-approved Gemini. llm.arc.vt.edu does allow you to add memories. To do so, select your profile (email address) from the bottom left, select ‘Settings’, select ‘Personalization’, and select the ‘Actions’ menu, and select ‘Add Memory’. You can then paste each memory you saved for use with llm.arc.vt.edu. Other generative AI platforms currently do not have memory features.
- Skills: You can the relevant parts of your saved skill into Google Gemini (select the cog icon and select ‘Skills’, select ‘Create’, and select ‘Create manually’); HokieAI (go to your Profile, select Settings, select ‘My Skills” and select ‘Create Skill’).
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:
- (Optional) Generative AI and responsible AI usage: This asynchronous training module introduces you to generative AI and goes over responsible use and AI principles. The objectives:
- 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 consultations to get answers to your questions and obtain hands-on support. To schedule a consultation, please go to TLOS Consultations and navigate to "ChatGPT Edu Pilot." You will select a time duration (15, 30, or 60-minute time blocks), consultant, and preferred date and time. You'll then be prompted to enter your name and email address and a brief synopsis of what you'd like to discuss.
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.
If you have been accepted into the ChatGPT Edu Pilot Extension but have not received an email invite to join within 1-2 business days, please go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help to let us know.
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.
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?
The application deadline has passed and all selected participants have been contacted.
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.
Will I be able to export my chat history or GPT before the pilot ends?
Yes, albeit with some considerations. For example, there is no option to migrate your chat history or GPTs back to a Free or Plus account in the future. Please see Exporting Data from ChatGPT Edu for more information.
To save key chats and deliverables, we recommend routinely copying + pasting information you want to keep from ChatGPT to a blank document in a secure location at intervals throughout the duration of the pilot.
Tip: You can preserve formatting when copy + pasting from ChatGPT through the following options:
- Google Docs: After you enable markdown and install the Google Docs Offline browser extension, you can use the "Paste from Markdown" option.
- Microsoft Word:
- Windows: Right-click and choose "Keep Source Formatting."
- MacOS: Right-click and choose “Paste Special”, then “Formatted Text (RTF).”
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) varies depending on the model you choose. See OpenAI's models and select a specific model to see its context window. Keep in mind, the ratio is 1 token = ¾ word, so 100,000 tokens is roughly equal to 75,000 words.
There are also rate limits in place to manage the frequency of interactions in a given period of time. See OpenAI’s Rate Limits page for more information.
For users with advanced access, invoking credit-based features (e.g. Thinking or Pro models, Deep Research) may deplete your allocation of credits for that cycle. Should that happen, you will not be able to use any credit-based features until the next cycle, when credits are renewed.
What’s the difference between base and advanced access?
- Base access: Access to basic features that do not require credits. This includes features such as the flagship and instant models, file upload, search and canvas.
- Advanced access: Access to basic features plus advanced features, with a limited credit allowance provided. Advanced features include Thinking and Pro models, Deep Research, voice mode, and image generation.
I have advanced access. How will I know when I’m approaching my credit limit?
Unfortunately, there is not a way for users to see how many credits are allocated to them or how many credits are remaining within the cycle. If you are finding yourself consistently running up against credit limits, here are some tips to help you stretch your credits a little farther:
- When possible, you may wish to opt for instant models over Thinking or Pro models, as the latter consume far more credits. Be aware that using the instant model may automatically switch to an advanced model for complex queries. If you do need to use a Thinking or Pro model, click on "ChatGOT" to open the model selector, then click on "Configure..." and toggle off "Auto-switch to Thinking mini." When using Thinking or Pro models, consider opting for “Standard” thinking time rather than “Extended” to help conserve credits.
- Utilize credit-based features strategically and sparingly. Keep in mind that credit-based features include advanced (Thinking, Pro) models, deep research, voice mode, and image generation.
- Example: If preparation is needed to refine a Deep Research prompt before actually running it, you may wish to tackle the preparation step manually, through no- or low-credit using features in ChatGPT Edu, or through another AI platform like Copilot first. Once the Deep Research prompt has been refined, you can then run it in ChatGPT Edu's Deep Research mode.
- OpenAI is currently offering 5 free Deep Research queries and 3 free image generations per day for all ChatGPT Edu users. Taking advantage of this promotion may help carry your credits a little farther.
What model should I use with ChatGPT?
ChatGPT offers quite a few different models to choose from. To learn the differences and know which is the best for your purposes, please consult OpenAI's list of Models. Please note that Instant models are available to everyone with base access while Thinking and Pro models are only available to participants with advanced access.
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.
What should I do if I’m receiving a ChatGPT error message?
These are general troubleshooting steps:
- Check the service status of ChatGPT to see if the service is down or encountering high error rates.
- Check that you are logged into ChatGPT Edu account (you should see a VT logo in the top right corner) and not another account you have with ChatGPT (e.g., a free version).
- If you’re having trouble logging in, try logging into ChatGPT Edu from a private/incognito browsing window or from a different web browser. If this works, you may need to clear your web browser’s cache. It may also be the case you have a 3rd-party browser extension that may be blocking or affecting your connection.
- Update your web browser or the mobile/desktop app. You may need to contact your departmental IT to update your browser or app if you do not have administrator access on your device.
- If you are using a private relay service (e.g., iCloud’s private relay) or a VPN service, try accessing ChatGPT Edu without using the VPN or relay service.
If you continue to receive a ChatGPT error message, please go to the 4Help portal, sign in, and click Get Help to report the issue. Please include what troubleshooting steps you’ve taken and a screenshot of the error, if possible.
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.
What’s the difference between ChatGPT Edu and ChatGPT Free/Plus/Business?
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.
How do GPTs work in the credit-based system?
Credits are tied to the user invoking the GPT, not the GPT creator. If a user switches to or is routed to a Thinking model, that usage would count against the user’s own credits. If the user prefers not to consume credits, we recommend staying on Instant.
For users without access to advanced models, the system will fall back to 5.1 Thinking Mini, which does not consume credits.
Can I connect my GPT to other tools with an API?
No, API access through GPTs is not available at this time, primarily because API actions present a risk of sending data to unvetted third parties.
Can I purchase more credits?
Unfortunately no, additional credits cannot be purchased at this time.
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 (e.g. Policy 7035), authorized university personnel may access electronic communications when it is necessary for legitimate business purposes such as ensuring compliance with university policies, resolving security concerns, or responding to legal obligations. ChatGPT admins cannot see the contents of your ChatGPT Edu messages at this time. There are companies that offer a Compliance API that enables viewing ChatGPT Edu conversations, but there are no plans to purchase a Compliance API tool.
- User responsibility: It is advisable 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.
Regarding OpenAI’s 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.
2/27/2025 Update: OpenAI began sending weekly reports on user and GPT activity to the pilot’s evaluation team. The user data includes but is not limited to, each participant’s name, email, when they were last active, and the number of messages they have sent across ChatGPT, custom GPTs, and Projects. The GPT data includes, but is not limited to, the GPT’s name and description, who created it, how many people it is shared with, and the number of messages to it. These weekly user reports do not include the contents of messages from your interactions with ChatGPT.
3/31/2025 Update: OpenAI launched a new user analytics dashboard for ChatGPT Edu admins which shows aggregated data on unique active users, total messages sent/received along with the models and features used, as well as GPT activity including GPT names, their creator name, total messages to the GPT, and how many people are using that GPT. It also shows per-user activity. This dashboard does not include the contents of messages from your interactions with ChatGPT.
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 use with 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.
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 Business (formerly 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.