Approved AI Tools
Discover vetted AI tools that meet UM's standards for security, privacy, compliance, and legal requirements
Free for the UM Community
ChatMT.ai
Leading AI models in one place, for faculty, staff, and students across the Montana University System.
- No Cost to You
- Usage is covered centrally. Choose lighter models for simple tasks to help conserve the shared resource.
- Multiple Providers
- Models from Anthropic, OpenAI, Meta, and others, from fast everyday models to the most capable frontier models.
- Run by UM
- Operated by the University of Montana on behalf of the Montana University System. Sign in with your university email.
Planning to use ChatMT.ai with student records or other sensitive data? Contact ai-help@umontana.edu first.
Start Using ChatMT.aiOther Approved Generative AI Tools
Enterprise-grade AI tools for general use
Microsoft Copilot
Paid UM license
Integrates AI directly into familiar Microsoft tools. Limited availability is covered under our Enterprise Agreement.
Request AccessChatGPT Enterprise
Paid UM license
UM's enterprise license for OpenAI's ChatGPT, available to UM employees. Licenses are purchased per person, per year with a non-grant index code. Direct purchases via pro-card are prohibited.
Request AccessClaude Enterprise
Paid UM license
UM's enterprise license for Anthropic's Claude, available to UM employees. Standard and Premium (five times the usage) licenses are purchased with a non-grant index code. Direct purchases via pro-card are prohibited.
Request Access
Comparing AI Models
AI models change every few months, so UM doesn't publish its own rankings. For current, independent comparisons, see:
- Arena — rankings from blind, head-to-head votes by real users
- Artificial Analysis — independent benchmarks of quality, speed, and price
AI Research Tools
AI-powered tools for academic research and literature discovery
Scite.ai
Free and paid tiers
AI-powered citation analysis showing how papers have been cited, with supporting, mentioning, or contrasting evidence. Helps evaluate research reliability and discover connections.
Smart Citations · Citation Analysis · Research Reliability
Learn MoreResearch Rabbit
Free
AI-driven research discovery platform that visualizes paper relationships and suggests relevant literature based on your research interests and reading patterns.
Paper Discovery · Visual Networks · Personalized Recommendations
Learn MorePerplexity Pro
Paid, through IT
AI-powered search and research assistant that provides real-time information with citations. Must go through IT for purchase approval and licensing.
Real-time Search · Source Citations · Research Queries
Request Access
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
AI-enhanced tools for meeting notes and documentation
Microsoft Teams Premium
Paid UM license
Advanced AI-driven features to enhance meeting notes, summaries, and task management within Teams.
Request AccessZoom AI Companion
Cost varies
Real-time meeting summaries, smart recordings, and automated follow-up through Zoom's built-in AI assistant.
Request AccessOtter.ai
Free and paid tiers
AI-powered transcription and meeting notes with real-time collaboration features. Free tier available, premium features require approval.
Request Access
Recording Notice: AI Notetakers
Montana law requires that everyone in a conversation knows it is being recorded or transcribed (MCA 45-8-213). Before an AI notetaker starts, announce that the meeting will be recorded and transcribed, and repeat it for anyone who joins late. Some free notetaking tools join meetings automatically without that warning, which may violate state law.
If participants are outside Montana, their state may require consent rather than notice, so give people the chance to object. Don't use a notetaker in meetings that cover student records, personnel matters, or other confidential information unless the tool is approved for that data.
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?
For procurement questions, contact ai-help@umontana.edu and we can connect you with the appropriate people from IT and Business Services.
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.
Questions About AI Tools?
Our team is here to help you navigate AI tools safely and effectively.