Approved AI Tools
Discover vetted AI tools that meet UM's standards for security, privacy, compliance, and legal requirements
Amplify GenAI
Your gateway to responsible AI innovation featuring multiple leading AI models in one secure, sustainable platform.
Equitable Access
Everyone in the UM community has access to the same advanced AI models and capabilities.
Green AI
Delivered on UM-managed infrastructure built for sustainability and efficient resource use.
Privacy First
Your data stays on UM infrastructure. No third-party training, no external data sharing.
The following tools have been thoroughly vetted to meet UM's standards for security, privacy, compliance, and legal requirements. Each tool has been evaluated for safe use in academic and administrative contexts.
Other Approved Generative AI Tools
Microsoft Copilot
$360/yearIntegrates AI directly into familiar Microsoft tools. Limited availability is covered under our Enterprise Agreement.
Request AccessChatGPT EDU
$300/yearRobust conversational AI designed specifically for educational contexts. Direct purchases via pro-card are prohibited.
Request AccessAI Research Tools
Scite.ai
Free/PremiumAI-powered citation analysis showing how papers have been cited, with supporting, mentioning, or contrasting evidence. Helps evaluate research reliability and discover connections.
Research Rabbit
FreeAI-driven research discovery platform that visualizes paper relationships and suggests relevant literature based on your research interests and reading patterns.
Perplexity Pro
$240/yearAI-powered search and research assistant that provides real-time information with citations. Must go through IT for purchase approval and licensing.
Research Tool Benefits
These AI-powered research tools can significantly accelerate literature discovery, citation analysis, and research synthesis while maintaining academic integrity.
Many tools offer enhanced features when accessed through institutional credentials. Contact the library for assistance with institutional access.
AI Notetaking Tools
Microsoft Teams Premium
$84/yearAdvanced AI-driven features to enhance meeting notes, summaries, and task management within Teams.
Request AccessZoom AI Companion
VariesReal-time meeting summaries, smart recordings, and automated follow-up through Zoom's built-in AI assistant.
Request AccessOtter.ai
Free/PremiumAI-powered transcription and meeting notes with real-time collaboration features. Free tier available, premium features require approval.
Request AccessPrivacy Notice: AI Notetakers
Montana is an all-party consent state for recording conversations. Some "free" AI notetaking tools automatically join meetings without consent, which may violate state law.
Only use notetaking tools that clearly disclose their behavior and obtain informed consent from all participants.
Important Notice: DeepSeek Cloud Service
DeepSeek's cloud service (deepseek.com) is explicitly prohibited for use by University of Montana faculty, staff, and students for all university-related activities.
Why DeepSeek's Cloud Service is Prohibited:
- •Data Security Concerns: Data processed through DeepSeek's cloud service is stored on servers in China
- •State Policy Violations: Use of DeepSeek's cloud service violates Montana state procurement policies
- •Compliance Risks: Using DeepSeek's cloud service could put university data and operations at risk
- •Ownership Structure: DeepSeek is fully owned by entities within the People's Republic of China
Note on Open-Source DeepSeek Models:
This prohibition specifically applies to DeepSeek's cloud service. The use of open-source DeepSeek model weights (such as DeepSeek R1 or V3.1) for local research purposes may be permissible under different guidelines. Contact ai-help@umontana.edu for guidance on local model usage for research purposes.
If you have questions about this policy or need alternatives to DeepSeek for your specific use case, please contact ai-help@umontana.edu. We're happy to help you find approved alternatives that meet your needs.
Prompt Engineering
PromptMind
Built by UM IT for the UM Community
Welcome to the official Generative AI Prompt Library for the University of Montana community. This platform is a collaborative space for faculty and staff to share and discover effective prompts for use with generative artificial intelligence tools.
Using Non-Approved AI Tools
We understand that innovation requires experimentation. While we encourage using approved tools, you may explore other AI technologies for legitimate academic, research, or administrative purposes.
Your Responsibilities When Using Non-Approved Tools
Verify the tool will not share your data with third parties
Ensure data is not used to train or improve the model
Confirm information is not stored beyond your session
Never input sensitive or restricted university data
Purchasing AI Software
ProCard purchases are strictly prohibited.
All software purchases must go through the official procurement process via GrizMart.
Procurement Process:
1. Start with GrizMart
Work with your department's Financial Academic Manager (FAM) to initiate the request through umt.edu/grizmart
2. Review Process
Each software undergoes comprehensive reviews for accessibility, security, and business terms
Expected Timeline: ~2 weeks
Accessibility review → Security review → CIO review → Business Services terms review
Need Help with Procurement?
Free and publicly available AI models often have the least restrictive data usage policies. Always read the terms of service and privacy policy before using any AI tool with university-related work.
For procurement questions, contact ai-help@umontana.edu and we can connect you with the appropriate people from IT and Business Services.
Questions About AI Tools?
Our team is here to help you navigate AI tools safely and effectively.