Washington University Launches Own Version of ChatGPT for Students and Faculty

University aims to provide equitable and secure AI platform within educational community

Washington University-St. Louis has developed its own tailored version of ChatGPT for free use across campus. With over 2,700 users in its first month, the AI chatbot gives students, faculty and staff access to an engaging educational tool protected by the university's privacy standards.

Rather than relying on OpenAI's commercial ChatGPT, WashU partnered with Microsoft to deploy a HIPAA and FERPA compliant alternative. This ensures sensitive research and student data remains confidential without third party ownership. The chatbot also levels access between paid and unpaid users within the learning environment.

While still in beta, feedback has been positive. Educators are exploring augmented uses in small ways like live tutoring. Researchers gain a prompt-engineering resource for knowledge and simulations. Workshops now teach effective interaction to unleash potential.

As AI integration progresses cautiously, leaders envision responsible innovation enhancing education. Customizing tools to the community empowers equitable discovery. With care and communication, emerging technologies may facilitate boundary-pushing work in ever new fields. WashU prides itself on creating opportunity that lifts all within its diverse ecosystem.