More AI Tools and Resources Approved and Available for Campus

The U of A recently expanded the approved AI tools and resources that are available for faculty, staff and graduate assistants. Information on these additional tools and resources are available at ai.uark.edu. Many of the approved tools require licenses, which can be purchased by academic colleges and units.

Approved Tools Available for Use Now

The following AI tools are approved and available now for campus use:

• Copilot Chat  (already included with Microsoft account): a lightweight chat experience built into Windows and Edge browsers for quick Q&A, web research, brainstorming and writing help. Learn more.
• Copilot for Microsoft 365 (for purchase by units): an AI assistant embedded in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams that accelerates everyday productivity. View more information on this tool and how to acquire licenses.
• OpenAI ChatGPT Edu (for purchase by units): an institution-optimized AI platform for teaching, research and administrative work with FERPA-aligned privacy and enterprise controls. Learn more about this tool and how to request a license.
• Google Gemini (available at no additional cost starting Feb. 2): Google's AI assistant that offers help with writing, planning, brainstorming and more. More details on how to access this tool will be provided soon.
• Google NotebookLM (available at no additional cost starting Feb. 2): an AI-powered research partner that can summarize PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, audio files, Google Docs, Google Slides and more to find connections between topics. More details on how to access this tool will be provided soon.

While ChatGPT Edu and Microsoft Copilot 365 require a license, Microsoft Copilot Chat is currently available to all UARK account holders at no additional cost. Google Gemini and Google NotebookLM will also be available to all UARK account holders at no additional cost starting Feb. 2, 2026. More details on Google Gemini and Google NotebookLM will be provided soon.

Google Accelerator Program

(Requires license and approval from Provost's Office)

Last fall, the U of A joined the first cohort of the Google AI for Education Accelerator program, an initiative that provides free access to Google Career Certificates and AI Essentials training for students, faculty and staff at more than 100 public universities.

This program provides professional-level training in data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, UX design, digital marketing and e-commerce, and IT support, among others. The program is free; however, a license is required to participate. Licenses are provided for a fixed period of time depending on need.  To request a free license, please complete this form. Licenses are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Community of Practice

The U of A has developed a community of practice for campus to share information as it relates to AI literacy, data responsibility, training and policy updates. This community of practice provides a forum for faculty, staff and students to post AI usage questions and share lessons learned. Codes of conduct for all students and U of A employees apply to all posts. The community of practice is monitored and certified answers from University Information Technology Services (UITS) staff are indicated with a green checkmark. Learn more.

Tool Exception Request

If an employee or student would like to use an AI tool that isn't approved, this tool exception request form will need to be completed. Additional information on tool exceptions, the overall process and specific tool requirements will be added to ai.uark.edu in the coming weeks.

Campus Use Guidelines

All employees and students must adhere to the guidelines for acceptable use of artificial intelligence. These guidelines were developed by AI working groups, which are composed of staff and faculty from units across campus. These guidelines include parameters for four areas as they relate to the campus community: ethical and responsible use, teaching and learning, research and allowable AI tools. The guidelines also list related campus and U of A System policies and references.

For more information on available AI tools, resources and guidelines, visit ai.uark.edu.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.