Vanderbilt University expanded campuswide access to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, formalizing a multi-tool approach to powering advancements in research, education, and operations, according to a university announcement.
As part of the expansion, Vanderbilt is providing students, faculty, and staff with campuswide access to multiple AI tools, including ChatGPT Edu, the university-built Amplify 2.0 platform, and Google’s certificate programs, at no cost with a university email address.
“As generative AI becomes part of everyday academic and professional work, Vanderbilt is taking a deliberate, multi-tool approach – ensuring our community has access to the right technologies to support creativity, discovery, and impact across the university,” Vanderbilt University Provost C. Cybele Raver said in a statement.
ChatGPT Edu is a university-specific deployment of the widely used ChatGPT large language model, providing students, faculty, and staff with a secure, general-purpose AI platform for tasks such as writing, analysis, coding, and research. The rollout follows months of collaboration among the Office of Learning Innovation, Vanderbilt University Information Technology, and OpenAI, and is designed to offer free enterprise access through familiar interfaces while meeting the university’s data security standards.
Amplify 2.0, which was announced last month, expands Vanderbilt’s in-house generative AI platform for research and academic work. Amplify offers access to more than a dozen large language models within a secure environment for sensitive research. The updated version adds open-source tools such as an AI email assistant, scheduling agent, intelligent note-taking, and custom chatbot capabilities.
Amplify 2.0 is rolling out during January and February to everyone with an Amplify account, and users will be upgraded automatically, the university said.
On the skills front, Vanderbilt is expanding access to Grow with Google certificates and specializations in analytics, project management, UX design, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and IT support, which are delivered on the Coursera platform. The expansion builds on Vanderbilt’s existing Coursera AI programming, which has surpassed 10 million enrollments, according to the university.
“With these new offerings, we’re driving innovation through a radically collaborative network of tools and resources that span everything from basic prompts to custom integrations that actively work alongside you,” said Jules White, senior advisor to the chancellor on generative AI in enterprise and education and professor of computer science.
According to the university, the AI tools rollout is paired with training and support resources such as workshops, quick guides, and a Faculty AI Toolkit led by the Office of Learning Innovation.
