ChatGPT is an AI language model designed to generate human-like text. Unlike search engines, it doesn’t retrieve live results from the web—it generates responses based on patterns it learned from large datasets. 

Yes, it can assist with brainstorming, outlining, summarizing, or drafting—but it should not be used to generate final submissions unless your institution permits it. Always check your academic integrity policy.

It depends on your university’s rules. Using AI to do work that is meant to reflect your own thinking may violate academic integrity policies if not disclosed.

It can generate citations, but they are often fabricated or inaccurate. Always verify citations independently using real academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, Google Scholar).

As of GPT-4-turbo, its training data goes up to late 2023. However, it doesn't have real-time access to new publications unless integrated with live tools. 

Yes—for brainstorming, structuring, or improving clarity. But using it to write entire assignments without permission may breach policy. 

It can quiz you, explain concepts, summarize readings, and help create study guides. 

It can explain many complex topics at various levels of depth, though it's not a substitute for peer-reviewed or instructor-vetted material.

Yes, it can walk through problems and help debug code, though it may occasionally make errors—double-check the logic. 

Absolutely. You can practice conversations, vocabulary, grammar, or translations.

Faculty can use it to generate quiz questions, summarize articles, draft rubrics, or brainstorm instructional material. It should be reviewed and edited for accuracy and fit. 

Yes—it can generate educational content in many formats, with options to customize tone and complexity. 

Transparency, accuracy, and fairness are key. Disclose AI use, avoid relying on it for final grades, and respect student privacy. 

Yes, it can role-play or generate mock interviews and scenarios to support active learning. 

Yes. It's essential to guide students to use AI as a supplement, not a substitute, for critical thinking and independent work.

For faculty seeking guidance on using AI, the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) offers resources and training, including sample syllabus statements, teaching strategies and professional development opportunities.

Only you will be able to read your conversations. Visit OpenAI's security policy.

No. Conversations and data entered into ChatGPT Edu are not used to train or improve OpenAI’s models. The University of South Carolina’s ChatGPT Edu environment comes with education-specific privacy and protection features, including:

• Data protection by design: Student and faculty data remain under university control and are never sold or shared.
• No model training: Unlike free or consumer versions, ChatGPT Edu does not use prompts or conversations to train OpenAI’s systems.
• Admin controls: USC administrators manage retention and access to conversations, with the ability to delete records according to institutional policy.
• Compliance: ChatGPT Edu supports legal frameworks such as FERPA, SOC 2 Type II, and GDPR, and OpenAI signs a Student Data Privacy Agreement that designates them as a “school official” under FERPA.
• Data residency: Eligible institutions can choose regional storage to align with data sovereignty requirements.

Disclose AI use where required. Verify AI-generated content. Avoid inputting confidential or sensitive data.

USC understands the concerns about sustainability around artificial intelligence and doesn’t take those lightly. The university is committed to creating a more sustainable future across campus and has taken efforts to make campus more energy efficient. We currently have 27 sustainable buildings on campus and recently started the Garnet Bites program to prevent food waste.

The university’s partnership with companies like OpenAI provides a leadership opportunity to learn, evaluate and advocate for sustainability across campus. We’re committed to pioneering not only AI innovation across the state but also renewable energy initiatives to build a better tomorrow.