Students at IU will get access to the AI tool Jan. 1, 2026. Faculty and staff will get access even earlier.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Artificial intelligence has already found its way around mainstream technology usage, but now it’s found a new home — Indiana University.
On Thursday, the university announced it is expanding its AI offerings with Open AI by providing students and staff with access to ChatGPT Edu.
“Indiana University is empowering our students, faculty and staff to lead as AI transforms every sector of the economy,” said Pamela Whitten, IU’s president. “Working with an industry leader like OpenAI gives the IU community cutting-edge tools that will enhance learning, increase efficiency and prepare our graduates to thrive in the careers of today and tomorrow.”
IU’s rollout of the AI platform to its 120,000 students, faculty and staff will be ChatGPT Edu’s second-largest of all time.
“Indiana University is taking a historic step forward with one of the largest ChatGPT deployments in the country,” said Leah Belsky, vice president of education at OpenAI. “By extending access to more than 120,000 students, faculty and staff, IU is enabling its community to fully integrate AI into learning, research and everyday campus life. Students will be able to use AI to advance their learning goals and graduate with practical, hands-on experience — essential preparation for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.”
IU faculty and staff will be able to request access to the AI platform Sept. 2. Students will be given access to the tool on Jan. 1, 2026.
The deployment of ChatGPT Edu at IU is just one of the ways the school is using AI for academics.
In August, IU launched an AI course that “serves as a foundational program introducing the IU community to generative AI concepts, applications and responsible-use practices,” according to the official release.
“By embracing AI, we are demonstrating IU’s ability to be nimble and visionary,” said Aaron Neal, interim chief information officer, deputy chief information officer, and associate vice president for networks and security at IU. “We are meeting students where they are, preparing them for where they need to go and ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This partnership empowers IU to confront the challenges facing higher education today.”
For more information on IU’s new AI platform, click here.
