What it is
Custom Instructions and Personality settings let users decide how ChatGPT should respond by default. These settings are personal to the user account and can be changed later.
Responsible use reminder! Use ChatGPT Edu only in accordance with ECU guidance, instructor expectations, and applicable data-protection requirements. Do not enter restricted, confidential, regulated, or sensitive ECU information unless the use case has been approved.
Learning objectives
- Understand what this feature does.
- Know when the feature is appropriate to use.
- Complete the basic setup or usage flow.
- Review results before relying on ChatGPT output.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Open ChatGPT and sign in to the ECU ChatGPT Edu workspace.
ECU screenshot
Step 2
Open your account or profile menu.
ECU screenshot
Step 3
Select Personalization.
ECU screenshot
Step 4
Choose a base style and tone, if available.
ECU screenshot
Step 5
Enter custom instructions for response format, tone, or preferences.
Step 6
Save or close settings as required by the current interface.
Step 7
Start a new chat to test whether ChatGPT follows the new preference.
Sample prompt
Be concise and plain-spoken. Give me the steps first, then a short explanation. Use short paragraphs and avoid jargon. If my request is ambiguous, ask one clarifying question before answering.
Expected result
New chats respond using the style and format preferences you configured.
Troubleshooting
- Changes normally apply to new chats, not chats already open.
- If a setting is missing, confirm the feature is enabled in the ECU workspace.
- Avoid storing sensitive personal or institutional information in custom instructions.
ECU validation checklist
☐ Exact current ECU menu labels
☐ ECU screenshot of Personalization settings
☐ Final ECU guidance for sensitive information
Related ECU resources
- AI at ECU
- ChatGPT Edu at ECU [coming soon]
- Responsible AI / data guidance: [coming soon]
- Submit an ECU support request: [coming soon]