The University announced an expanded collaboration with OpenAI on Sept. 15 to bring students and staff ChatGPT 5 through ChatGPT Edu. As of Oct. 1, ASU students’ Digital Backpack can receive the free upgrade.
GPT-5 is a tool that is faster, more reliable and has better memory than previous models — the system is a recent addition in a series of technologically innovative tools used in higher education at ASU.
One of the greatest advantages of the model is its use as an instrument students can add to their analytical and educational tool belt.
Darsh Chaurasia, a senior studying computer science and co-president of The AI Society, has been an avid user of ChatGPT for the last two years.
“After you graduate from your studies, you are going to use these tools in your work, and there are no restrictions,” Chaurasia said. “If you’re able to build something that is helping a lot of people outside or creating an impact on society, that is what counts.”
The ASU Department of English recognized three options regarding the use of AI in class for instructors to format their courses with, said Layne Ilderton, an associate faculty member and first year composition professor.
The first option prohibits the use of AI, the second permits usage with specific citation and the third allows for use with direct prompting instructions. Ilderton chose the second option for the courses she teaches and supports students experimenting with AI technologies.
“People at ASU aren’t afraid to integrate these digital tools. We’re not afraid of these new tools,” Ilderton said. “We accept them, we embrace them and we learn about them.”
The use of AI as a tool requires users to understand how to use the system accurately and effectively. Misuse of AI can have serious consequences for students, as laid out in ASU’s Digital Trust guidelines for Generative Artificial Intelligence use.
In addition to concerns of AI misuse, the systems have inherent limitations. Chaurasia said the service should be used to increase productivity, rather than as a crutch.
“If you just copy your problem statement from your assignment, paste it on ChatGPT and just get the result (then) compile it into a PDF and submit, you are not learning anything,” he said. “What is the point of college?”
Another potential issue in using AI for educational purposes is the risk of inaccuracies in generated responses. “Hallucinations” of the systems can occur when AI models provide a plausible guess rather than admitting an unclear result.
“When used correctly, yes, it can be a great study tool, but it can also make a lot of mistakes,” said Rhys Dillard, a junior studying microbiology. “It really depends on the subject you’re studying.”
ChatGPT offers paid subscription versions, ChatGPT Plus and Pro. Joseph Huizar, a senior studying sports business, said he pays $20 per month for ChatGPT Plus. Huizar uses the service for ideation and brainstorming purposes.
“I don’t necessarily use it to copy and paste, like I know some people do,” Huizar said. “I just use it to give me more ideas, to help me elaborate on anything I’m working on or just answer simple questions.”
The collaboration between ASU and OpenAI increases the service’s accessibility for students – ChatGPT 5 comes at no added cost to the ASU community.
Chaurasia said, a majority of the students already use the software, so ASU footing the bill will increase the accessibility of the programs for all students — not just those who can afford it.
Accessibility is not only made available to students, but also faculty and staff who are interested in using AI in their classrooms and courses.
“What makes ASU’s partnerships so great is that the professors and instructors all across the board at ASU have so many opportunities to learn all about ChatGPT, all about AI,” Ilderton said. “We have conferences, we have department meetings about AI all the time.”
The role of ChatGPT Edu is not to take over critical thinking challenges for students. Rather, the goal of utilizing these AI assistants is to improve education and research outcomes at ASU, according to the University announcement.
“I want students to understand that when you write something, those are your own words, and you own that, you say it with your chest,” Ilderton said. “If you don’t feel proud and you don’t feel like you can own that statement, then you should not write it.”
Sophia Braccio contributed to this reporting.
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at kagore1@asu.edu and follow @kategore_17 on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
Kate Gore is the Science and Tech Desk editor, ensuring accurate coverage of the scientific endeavors completed by ASU faculty and students and their impact on the broader community. She is beginning her second year on staff at The State Press. She previously worked as a Community and Culture Reporter, shining light on important events and happenings around campus.
Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.