Bloomington, IN – Indiana University is preparing for one of the nation’s largest artificial intelligence deployments in higher education, rolling out ChatGPT Edu to more than 120,000 students, faculty and staff beginning Sept. 2. The initiative marks OpenAI’s second largest university rollout to date.
According to Indiana University, faculty and staff will gain institutional access first, with students set to begin using the platform on Jan. 1. The partnership positions IU as a leader in AI-powered education, with officials noting that the technology will enhance teaching, streamline research and improve overall learning experiences.
IU President Pamela Whitten said working with OpenAI provides the university community with cutting-edge tools that will prepare graduates for the evolving workforce. Leah Belsky, vice president of education at OpenAI, emphasized that giving all 120,000 students and staff access to ChatGPT will help integrate AI into everyday campus life while building practical skills for the job market.
The rollout follows a summer pilot program involving 200 faculty members, where 80% reported ChatGPT as the most effective AI tool for supporting teaching, research and administrative work. More than 30,000 students and staff were already using the free version with IU accounts, demonstrating strong demand for a university-wide partnership.
In addition to ChatGPT Edu, IU launched a free GenAI 101 course this month, introducing the community to generative AI concepts and responsible-use practices. University leaders said pairing the course with ChatGPT ensures students and faculty not only access powerful AI technology but also learn how to use it ethically and effectively.
With nearly 700 million people worldwide using ChatGPT daily, IU officials said the rollout reflects the university’s forward-looking approach to preparing students for success in an AI-driven economy while reinforcing its role as a national leader in education innovation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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