Using ChatGPT Edu

No. ChatGPT Edu is available as a learning support tool. Students and HDR candidates can choose whether and when to use it in accordance with course requirements and discussion with their academic supervisors. 

When permitted, AI can support learning by generating ideas, explaining concepts and improving understanding. Using AI in ways that breach assessment requirements or academic integrity expectations may constitute academic misconduct. Students remain responsible for all work they submit for assessment. 

No. You remain responsible for your learning and submitted work and assessments.

Yes. AI can produce inaccurate or incomplete content – often referred to as hallucinations. Always verify outputs and use human judgement.

Follow UNSW guidance and avoid sharing sensitive, confidential or personal information.

Do not enter assessment answers, confidential information, personal information, protected data, health information, financial information, vendor information or intellectual property into ChatGPT Edu. This includes information that is sensitive, commercially confidential or subject to legal, contractual or privacy obligations.

• Information Governance Policy – outlines UNSW’s requirements for managing data and using digital tools (including AI), ensuring compliance with privacy, security, and legal obligations.

• Legal & Compliance AI Fact Sheet – explains the risks of using AI tools, including issues related to confidentiality, privacy, and copyright, and provides practical guidance on safe use.

• AI Assurance Framework | MyIT - UNSW - a framework developed for use when considering the use of an AI system.

• Policies and standards | MyIT - UNSW Sydney Cyber Security policies, standards, and guidelines

• Research: For research projects, data use, or AI tools in research: see AI and the Responsible Conduct of Research at UNSW .Teaching and Education: For assessment design, teaching practices, or student use of AI, visit the UNSW Teaching Gateway – AI guidance and Using AI in university | Current Students – UNSW Sydney.

• HDR candidates: discuss any plans to use AI with your supervisors. Refer to the HDR Hub for further guidance, including key considerations for HDR examinations.

• Operational or general staff use: For administrative work, procurement, or approved tools, contact UNSW IT or refer to MyIT and AI Hub SharePoint (UNSW staff only, requires SSO).

Yes. Refer to the latest Legal & Compliance Fact Sheet for guidance on potential legal issues arising from Generative AI use.

Generally, yes. UNSW’s authorised ChatGPT Edu environment provides protections not available in free or personal subscriptions, including enhanced privacy and data protections and University-managed security controls. Staff must still follow UNSW Information Governance policies and guidelines. Exercise caution with sensitive information and, wherever possible, de-identify data before using it in AI tools.

Everyone at UNSW is accountable for the data they enter. UNSW must hold all necessary rights, licences and permissions for data entered into ChatGPT Edu, including requirements imposed by data providers, funding bodies, copyright licences and contracts.

Researchers must confirm their data can lawfully be processed through ChatGPT Edu. Research material may be subject to data-sharing agreements, funding conditions or third-party restrictions, including restrictions on AI processing. There is no blanket approval for research use.

Sensitive data, particularly health information, should not be entered without consent due to legal restrictions. Consider the privacy requirements applying to the information and comply with them. Research data remains subject to contractual and third-party restrictions. There is no blanket permission to use ChatGPT Edu or any AI tool for all research purposes. Researchers are responsible for understanding restrictions applying to their research data.

Only where individuals were informed at collection that their information could be used in this service, or they have provided explicit consent. Otherwise, the information must not be used unless it is de-identified first.

Responsibility is shared: Data custodians maintain the quality and accuracy of the data they own. The Chief Data Officer (CDO) oversees data governance, quality, privacy and ethical standards. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) ensures AI systems operate securely within UNSW’s approved technical environment.

Existing UNSW data management, privacy, security and ethical controls apply to AI initiatives while formal data governance processes are strengthened. The CDO is developing a unified data governance framework and approval process. In the interim, AI pilots must comply with existing requirements. Proposed uses of University data are reviewed collaboratively by data custodians, the CDO and CIO.

Updates are underway. Privacy collection notices remain the key way of informing individuals about AI use. Additional privacy assessment may be required depending on the use case and data involved.

No. ChatGPT Edu is not an official UNSW System of Record. University records must be captured in a system of record. Refer to Records and Archives guidance for more information.

Only if permission or access allows it. Some terms permit copyright material to be entered into an AI tool only where it will not be used to train the AI model. Check and comply with the applicable terms.

No. UNSW is not automatically notified, and ChatGPT Edu conversations are not monitored by UNSW in real time.

ChatGPT may recognise conversations that indicate a risk of harm and provide safety information or support resources. Information may also be accessible to authorised personnel in limited circumstances, in accordance with UNSW's privacy, security and legal requirements.

If there is an immediate risk of harm, do not rely on ChatGPT to alert UNSW or emergency services. Contact emergency services or an appropriate support service directly.

Yes. The Environmental Sustainability Office has been engaged to assess AI’s environmental impact and provide guidance. The Environmental Impacts of AI resources were developed collaboratively with the Office.

Yes. All models use computing resources and energy, and their impact varies depending on the model and functionality used. Where possible, choose the simplest model that meets your needs. This can help reduce unnecessary credit use and environmental impact.

Use ChatGPT purposefully and choose the simplest approach that can complete the task effectively. You can reduce unnecessary computing and energy use by:

• Choosing the most appropriate model for the task rather than automatically using the most powerful model
• Writing clear, specific prompts to reduce unnecessary rework
• Refining a useful response rather than repeatedly generating new versions
• Avoiding unnecessary generation of images, video or multiple versions of content
• Using simpler tools, such as search, calculators or standard software, when AI is not needed
• Reusing and adapting existing content where appropriate rather than generating new content from scratch.

The aim is not to avoid using AI, but to use it thoughtfully and efficiently.

Different AI models require different amounts of computing power. More capable models can be valuable for complex tasks but may use more computational resources than needed for simpler work.

Choose a model that is appropriate for the task. Use more capable models when their additional reasoning or functionality adds value, rather than as the default for every interaction.

Generating AI images and video can require significant computing resources. Use these capabilities when they add genuine value to your study, teaching, research or work, and avoid generating multiple versions when one suitable output is enough.

They can. Clear, specific prompts can reduce unnecessary attempts, repeated generations and rework.

Provide ChatGPT with enough context and a clear outcome, then refine a useful response with focused follow-up instructions rather than starting again unnecessarily.

No. Consider whether AI adds value for the task. A search, calculator, existing resource or standard software may sometimes be faster and require fewer resources.

Use ChatGPT where its capabilities provide a meaningful benefit.