ChatGPT Edu is an AI tool from OpenAI, designed for use in higher education to assist teaching and learning, research, and administration. It offers enhanced privacy and security, and access to OpenAI’s flagship GPT-5 model.
Adoption of generative AI
AI is rapidly transforming the way we learn, work and live, and there is ongoing debate about the implications of its widespread adoption – including from a social and environmental perspective.
The University’s guidance is under continuous review, in response to rapid changes in the digital landscape and our growing understanding of how AI is being utilised within the institution. The provision of inclusive access to secure generative AI tools is part of the University’s commitment to managing the challenges and embracing the opportunities that increasing adoption brings, by encouraging safe and responsible use, supported by training and guidance.
Professor Anne Trefethen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Digital), said:
‘As part of the University’s ongoing collaboration with OpenAI and our expanding provision of AI tools, we are providing inclusive access to ChatGPT Edu. We know that significant numbers of staff and students are already using generative AI tools. Through robust governance, training, guidance and support, we are encouraging safe and responsible use within a secure environment.’
Guidance and inspiration
Oxford is the first UK university to provide free ChatGPT Edu access to all students and staff. This follows a successful year-long pilot which highlighted benefits such as accelerating and/or automating routine tasks and freeing up capacity to focus on more high-impact work and activities such as personal development and continuous improvement. You can read case studies of how colleagues across the University have been using ChatGPT Edu on the Generative AI at Oxford website, along with guidance on using these tools, including from an information security perspective, and in research, communications, summative assessments and study.
It is important that all students follow any advice and guidance from tutors or supervisors, department/faculties, and colleges, on generative AI in the context of their specific area of study.
Training and support
An expanded provision of online courses, in-person courses and on-request group training sessions is now available for both staff and students, alongside training opportunities from specialists across the University, including at the Bodleian Libraries, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the Oxford Research Software Engineering Group (OxRSE), and the Digital Capabilities team.
The OpenAI Academy also offers free training in getting started with ChatGPT Edu (see Webinars 101 and 102).
All staff are encouraged to refresh the mandatory information security and data protection training, which now includes a section on use of AI.
You can find out more about Generative AI at Oxford on the University website. If you have any questions, please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for staff or for students, or use this feedback form if you would like further support.
