University of Iowa faculty and staff now can purchase a license for ChatGPT Edu, a campus-supported version of ChatGPT designed for higher education environments. This release reflects ongoing efforts by ITS to provide secure, well-governed generative AI tools that support academic, research, and operational needs.
This article outlines how to access ChatGPT Edu, how to obtain a license, and where to find training and support. It also describes data protection expectations, privacy considerations, and guidance for responsible use.
Accessing ChatGPT Edu
ChatGPT Edu is available to faculty and staff through single sign-on (SSO) using HawkID credentials. To begin:
- Visit the ChatGPT Edu Service Page for information on what ChatGPT Edu offers.
- The order form must be submitted by an IT Director or designee. Contact your ETS personnel or IT Director to request access. Purchase approval is required.
- Once the workflow form has been submitted and completed routing, a ChatGPT license will be provisioned through the University of Iowa ChatGPT Edu workspace. You will receive an email when a license is provisioned.
Features and Capabilities of ChatGPT Edu
ChatGPT Edu provides advanced language-model capabilities along with tools designed to support instruction, research ideation, and administrative workflows. Available features include:
- Data analysis, web browsing, and file uploads
- The ability to build and share custom GPTs within university workspaces
- Higher message limits than ChatGPT Free
- Improved language performance and speed, with support for more than 50 languages
Common use cases identified by early adopters include:
- Drafting or reviewing instructional materials
- Summarizing research articles or generating outlines
- Creating sample prompts or practice questions for students
- Supporting administrative writing, including emails, reports, and documentation
- Assisting with data organization or workflow brainstorming
As with any generative AI tool, outputs should be reviewed carefully. Faculty and staff are responsible for verifying accuracy, ensuring alignment with disciplinary standards, and editing content before using it in academic or administrative contexts.
Training and Support
Workshops will be offered through the My Learning portal. Sessions will address:
- Getting started with ChatGPT Edu
- Feature demonstrations
- Effective prompt design
- Data protection and responsible use
- Accessibility considerations
Responsible and Secure Use
Responsible use remains central to the university’s approach to generative AI. ChatGPT Edu provides enhanced privacy protections; your data is isolated within the University of Iowa workspace and is not used to train AI models.
Data Protection
- ChatGPT Edu works with data classified as Public or University-Internal under the University of Iowa Data Classification.
- Restricted–Critical data may be used only with consultation from Research Services or ITS-ISPO.
- ChatGPT Edu is not HIPAA compliant and may not be used with patient data. For questions, contact the Joint Office for Compliance at 319-384-8282 or compliance@uiowa.edu.
Transparency and Accountability
- Treat AI-generated content as draft material requiring human review.
- Document AI involvement in internal processes when appropriate.
- Remain mindful of potential biases and limitations in model outputs.
Additional features will be evaluated, tested, and released as they become available.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of ChatGPT Edu marks an important step in a broader university initiative to support thoughtful, ethical, and effective use of AI technologies. As faculty and staff explore its capabilities, their experiences will help inform training priorities, service enhancements, and future licensing decisions.
We encourage you to explore ChatGPT Edu, participate in training opportunities, and share your feedback. Together, we can support the responsible integration of generative AI into teaching, research, and administrative work at the University of Iowa.
For questions or assistance, visit the How to Use ChatGPT Edu support page or contact the AI Support Team at ITS-AISupportTeam@uiowa.edu.