Your University GenAI access

If you choose to use AI during your studies at Oxford, it is important that you follow the advice and guidance of your tutors, supervisors, and department or faculty. You should familiarise yourself in advance with the University’s broad guidance on safe and responsible use of AI. Appropriate use of generative AI tools varies according to subject.

While your account is provided by the University, your chats cannot be seen by the University and they will not be used to train AI models. As with any other communication tools to which you have access as an Oxford student (e.g. emails, Teams messages), results and searches provided by generative AI tools are subject to Freedom of Information (FOI) and data protection legislation. 

The following are the only tools which have been approved for use with University data. The agreements in place for University-supported accounts mean these offer enhanced privacy and data security. Some of the data you use at Oxford may be restricted to University-supported GenAI platforms only.

Supported platforms

ChatGPT Edu: a version of ChatGPT used by educational institutions, with enhanced privacy and security that meets the University’s information security standards. It is important that you log into your account using your full University Single Sign-On (SSO) username in the exact format [email protected].

Google Gemini: Google’s chatbot, powered by Google’s Gemini language models. The University-supported account you can access with your SSO ([email protected]) has equivalent features to the free/public version but offers enhanced data security. You may want to explore using this for summarising videos or creating applets.

Gemini Notebook: Google’s notebook, powered by Gemini models. You can log into this with your SSO ([email protected]) to collect multiple documents, make your own notes about them, or combine those with AI-generated insights. Where appropriate, you could also explore using them to create study aids such as mind maps, flashcards, quizzes, and even audio podcasts or video summaries.

Microsoft Copilot (Chat): Microsoft’s standalone chatbot, powered by GPT models from OpenAI, is a limited alternative to ChatGPT, offered for free by Microsoft. You should login with your SSO ([email protected]) for enhanced data security. Note: The free version of Copilot Chat does not offer integration with Microsoft Office apps.

The University has an expanded GenAI training programme, including free, beginner-friendly training sessions available through various internal providers. You can also find information and on-demand training on Canvas (SSO login required). Your departments, faculties, and colleges can now request group training as a technical introduction to using AI tools. 

When you leave the University, you will lose access to your GenAI account on the last day of study. This may differ from the expiry date of your University Card. This remains the case even if you have an active Single-Sign-On (SSO) after this date; you must be a current member of the University to access Oxford’s GenAI provision.

Before the final date of study, you are advised to copy anything you wish to keep. This can be done by:

• Reviewing any chat history you wish to retain and copying relevant content.
• Using the tool to generate summaries of important conversations for copy.
• Asking the tool to draft a reusable prompt to help replicate key outputs in future.
• Saving and copying your custom instructions and any stored memories (in ChatGPT Edu).

You are also advised to do this if you are changing course to avoid any potential loss of history.

For questions about GenAI in relation to the course you are studying, please speak to your tutor or supervisor, or seek advice from your department/faculty.

Please use this online form (SSO required) to access general support or to ask questions about GenAI provision at Oxford.