AI Tools & Access at Virginia Tech
Approved artificial intelligence platforms and services for university use, with guidance on access and appropriate usage.
Introduction
Virginia Tech provides access to vetted AI tools and platforms that align with our AI principles and governance framework. All tools undergo evaluation for security, privacy, effectiveness, and alignment with university values before approval for campus use. Note: If an AI tool is not explicitly approved, it may only be used with low-risk, public data.
Currently Available Tools
Advanced Research Computing LLM gateway
Status: Active Service
Availability: All VT students, faculty, and staff
Best for: generative AI, review and summarization of data, maintaining privacy
Features:
- No-cost access to selected frontier open-access LLM models
- Data protection and privacy
- Easy, secure access (web interface and API access)
Access: https://llm.arc.vt.edu/ - use your VT credentials to log in.
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
Advanced Research Computing LLMs via Open OnDemand
Status: Active Service
Availability: All VT researchers with an account on ARC systems
Best for: research using generative AI, dedicated LLM instance, high-throughput API access
Features:
- No-cost access to any publicly available LLM model
- Dedicated instance providing exclusive web and API access
Enterprise-grade security and data protection
Access: https://ood.arc.vt.edu/ - use your VT credentials to log in. You need an account on ARC systems.
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
ChatGPT Edu (OpenAI)
Status: Active Pilot Program
Availability: Limited access (500 users)
Best for: Text generation, analysis, research assistance, teaching support
Features:
- Enhanced privacy protections for educational use
- Data processing agreements compliant with university policies
- Usage analytics and reporting capabilities
- Integration with existing workflows
Access: Access request process under development
Data risk level: Approved for moderate-risk data
Google Gemini App
Status: Active Service
Availability: All VT students, faculty, and staff. More information: Understanding Google's AI Tools: Gemini App, NotebookLM, and Google AI Pro
Best for: generative AI, brainstorming, content creation, and multimodal interaction
Features:
- Generate text, ideas, and summaries
- Answer questions using text, voice, and images
- Create images and assist with creative tasks
- Accessible via web or mobile app
Enterprise-grade security and data protection when logged into VT Google account
Access: https://gemini.google.com/ or via Google.com (log in with your VT Google account)
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
Google NotebookLM:
Status: Active Service
Availability: All VT students, faculty, and staff. More information: Understanding Google's AI Tools: Gemini App, NotebookLM, and Google AI Pro
Best for: research, summarization, and analyzing user-provided content
Features:
- Works with user-uploaded sources (PDFs, Google Docs, URLs, videos, text files)
- Generates summaries and key insights
- Helps organize research and ideas
- Supports multi-source analysis within a single workspace
Enterprise-grade security and data protection when logged into VT Google account
Access: https://notebooklm.google.com/ (log in with your VT Google account)
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
Google AI Pro
Status: Available via department purchase
Availability: VT employees (license required). More information: Understanding Google's AI Tools: Gemini App, NotebookLM, and Google AI Pro
Best for: productivity, document creation, data analysis, and enhanced AI capabilities within Google Workspace
Features:
Integrates AI into Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet)
Expanded access to premium models and features in Gemini App and NotebookLM
Assists with drafting, summarizing, analyzing, and organizing content
Enterprise-grade security and data protection when logged into VT Google account
Access: https://software.vt.edu/deptsoftware/googleaipro.html
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
Microsoft Copilot Chat (included for VT M365 accounts)
Status: Active Service
Availability: All VT students, faculty, and staff. Additional information: Understanding the differences Between Copilot Chat (Free) and Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed)
Best for: General AI assistance, quick questions, and basic content generation
Features:
- Chat-based AI assistant for everyday tasks
- Generate text, summaries, and answers to questions
- Accessible via web interface
- No Microsoft 365 app integration
Enterprise-grade security and data protection when logged into VT Microsoft account
Access: No Microsoft 365 app integration
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat (Licensed)
Status: Available via department purchase
Availability: VT employees (license required). Additional information: Understanding the differences Between Copilot Chat (Free) and Microsoft 365 Copilot (Licensed)
Best for: Document creation, data analysis, and productivity within Microsoft 365 apps
Features:
- Integration with Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance
- Assists with drafting, summarizing, and analyzing content within workflows
- Enhances productivity across daily tasks
Access: Contact your department IT representative for information
Data risk level: Approved for high-risk data
The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has established risk classification standards for the university to follow when utilizing software, including AI applications.
While several AI applications available at Virginia Tech are approved for use with high-risk data, the best practice is to reduce risk where possible and only use the lowest risk data that will still meet your needs. To mitigate risk, ask yourself:
- What level of risk would my data fall under?
- Is every data element necessary?
- Could I anonymize the data?
- Could I aggregate the data?
If using a commercial AI tool, it’s important to verify you are logged into the correct Virginia Tech instance. This ensures that data privacy and security measures are extended to your data.
For example, to verify your Virginia Tech Microsoft 365 Copilot login, look for both your VT email address, next to your profile image, and the enterprise data protection green shield.
If using AI in a research capacity, be sure to check with your department, principal investigator, terms of existing data use agreements, and/or IRB for allowed usage guidelines. Virginia Tech’s Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) has developed Considerations for the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI for researchers.
AI tools designated for high-risk have been approved by VT Information Technology Security Office (ITSO) for processing sensitive or regulated data. Researchers are reminded to consult with VT Privacy and Research Data Protection Program (PRDP) and the Office of Export and Secure Research Compliance regarding the storage and analysis of high-risk data to comply with specific regulations. Note that some high-risk data (e.g. data regulated by DFARS, ITAR, etc.) require additional protections and the LLM might not be approved for use with those data types.
Virginia Tech offers a wide range of AI-enabled tools to support creativity, learning, research, and accessibility. Adobe Creative Cloud applications, such as Photoshop and Premiere, provide AI-driven features for editing and content generation. Learning tools such as Genio enhance note-taking through transcription and content outlining, Gradescope streamlines grading with AI-based sorting and matching, and iClicker generates unique assessment questions. Accessibility and media tools include Grackle for PDF remediation, Kaltura for AI-powered transcription and audio descriptions, and Zoom’s AI Companion for meeting summaries and live assistance. Collectively, these tools provide students, faculty, and staff with powerful AI resources to support academic activity.
For researchers, visit the Advanced Research Computing (ARC) documentation page for AI, which details the advanced options and specific use cases where Virginia Tech's high-performance computing tools and capabilities can help research progress faster and with more assurance. The page helps researchers who are just getting started with using our resources, and provides additional support for advanced users.
- AI Principles: Guidelines for responsible AI use
- Training Opportunities: Find AI literacy resources and professional development opportunities.
- Governance: AI Working Committee and decision-making
- News & Announcements: Latest AI initiatives at Virginia Tech
This page is updated regularly to reflect new tool availability and access procedures. Tool and access information will be updated as processes are established.
Last Updated: February 26, 2026