UCCS launched ChatGPT Edu for all faculty and staff on March 31, aligned with the CU System rollout schedule. Student access to the UCCS ChatGPT Edu environment is currently planned for an August 14 rollout.
The project team is available at [email protected] for any questions. Problems or tickets need to be submitted to [email protected].
CU’s ChatGPT Edu is a secure, institutionally managed version of ChatGPT designed for higher education, with access available at no cost to eligible employees. It provides generative AI capabilities to support writing, research, analysis and brainstorming while operating within CU’s existing data privacy and security framework. Only the CU-provided ChatGPT Edu instance is approved for university work. Other versions of ChatGPT are not compliant with CU policies, standards and data security protocols.
Base functionality available at launch
The March 31 release provided access to a base version of ChatGPT Edu, including optional integration with Microsoft Outlook mailbox and calendar and Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint. The base version also includes file uploads and data analysis, custom GPTs and study mode.
Daily usage limits at launch:
- Up to three image generations per day
- Up to five Deep Research prompts per day
These capabilities will allow faculty and staff to integrate ChatGPT Edu into daily workflows while we continue testing and preparing additional features for fall 2026.
Advanced features coming fall 2026
More robust features, such as expanded connections via ChatGPT apps, advanced reasoning tools, and other enhanced capabilities will be introduced in the fall of this year following testing across the CU campuses. Future capabilities will include Canvas, coding and advanced reasoning.
How to get started
There is a complete guide to getting started here.
Before access to ChatGPT Edu is granted, you must complete a short training in Percipio here: https://share.percipio.com/cd/g3m4CFfrXd. The required course covers appropriate use and responsible data stewardship.
After completing the training, login via the gateway at https://chatgptlogin.uccs.edu/api/gateway.
Guidance for users with existing paid ChatGPT accounts
Because the initial March offering does not yet include advanced functionality, faculty and staff who currently use paid ChatGPT accounts are discouraged from merging or transitioning those accounts at this time.
The EDU platform differs from the commercial version, and migrating content (such as chat history or custom GPTs) can be complex and may result in lost functionality or data.
Anyone using a UCCS email address to manage a personal ChatGPT subscription will be required to merge or transition that account this summer. Additional communication and instruction will be provided over the next several months.
If you have special circumstances, such as a paid subscription, that requires guidance on merging, please contact the project team at [email protected].
Safety, Security & Responsible Use
All chats in ChatGPT Edu are private, but please keep in mind they are also subject to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) as well as any legal hold requests.
Other important reminders:
- Use is optional; employees may choose whether to request a license.
- The tool operates within separate, campus-managed workspaces.
- Data entered into ChatGPT Edu is not used to train OpenAI models.
- Use is governed by existing CU policies and applicable federal and state laws.
ChatGPT Edu supports your work but does not replace professional judgment. All users are expected to:
- Follow CU data classification, privacy and security policies.
- Take responsibility for how AI outputs are used.
- Use AI as a support tool, not a decision-maker.
- Be transparent about how AI contributes to work products.
- Consider the energy impact of ChatGPT when using this tool.
Training & Faculty Development
Our project team is collaborating closely with the Faculty Resource Center to support adoption of ChatGPT Edu. Additional training materials, workshops, and integration guidance will be shared throughout the spring and summer.
Where to go for more information
UCCS has an in-depth webpage on AI available here.
You may also visit the CU System ChatGPT Edu SharePoint site for updates, training and resources.
Thank you for your partnership as we prepare to bring this new capability to the UCCS campus.