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What it is
A Custom GPT packages instructions, knowledge files, and capabilities into a reusable assistant. A course or policy Q&A GPT should be scoped to approved documents and instructed to cite the document or section used. Important: knowledge files may be downloadable by users who can access the GPT, so only approved shareable files should be uploaded.
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 the GPTs area in ChatGPT and select Create.
ECU screenshot
Step 2
Switch to Configure if available.
ECU screenshot needed: replace with screenshot from the ECU ChatGPT Edu workspace or related ECU-approved application.
Step 3
Set a clear name and description.
ECU screenshot
Step 4
Paste instructions telling the GPT to answer only from uploaded documents and cite the document or section.
ECU screenshot
Step 5
Turn off capabilities not needed for the use case, such as web search, when the GPT should rely only on uploaded files.
Step 6
Upload only approved, shareable knowledge files.
Step 7
Add conversation starters.
Step 8
Test in Preview with in-scope, specific, out-of-scope and judgment-based questions.
Step 9
Save and share with the appropriate ECU audience only after review.
Sample prompt
You answer questions about [course policies / AI-use guidance / data-handling documents] using ONLY the uploaded documents. Cite the document name and section you used. If the answer is not in the documents, say so and name the appropriate contact. Be brief and neutral.
Expected result
The GPT answers covered questions with source references and politely declines questions not covered by the uploaded documents.
Troubleshooting
- Do not upload documents that should not be downloaded by the intended audience.
- If the GPT guesses, tighten instructions and reduce unsupported capabilities.
- If answers are too broad, narrow the knowledge files or add more specific instructions.
ECU validation checklist
☐ ECU GPT creation permissions
☐ Approved course/policy document set
☐ Sharing rules for faculty/student GPTs
☐ Required disclaimer language
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]