AI Toolkit - Columbia's Secure AI Workspace

AI Toolkit, formerly CHAT, is Columbia's secure AI platform, designed to give users flexibility when using generative AI. It provides access to multiple leading large language models in a secure environment for each user, and can support a variety of academic and administrative needs. AI Toolkit can be used in various language tasks, such as writing emails, summarizing information, translating languages, brainstorming ideas, and engaging in conversation.

Importantly, for students: Faculty retain primary responsibility for determining whether and how AI is used in their courses. In conjunction with departmental and curricular guidelines, faculty may authorize or prohibit the use of AI in preparing academic work on a course-by-course basis. Please confirm with your instructor before using AI for any academic purpose.

AI ToolKit can be accessed through a uni-based login. It is metered access, and a baseline level of access is available to all students, faculty and staff. Once you are in the AI Toolkit you can see your daily limit and can monitor your usage. The limit re-sets daily and is not adjusted more frequently. 


You may use the settings within Toolkit to select the language model you wish to use and to customize your experience

  • This is a secure service. The information you provide in this interface will not be shared
  • 24 Hour Service Access: Available anytime, from anywhere.
  • Versatile Assistance: From academic work to administrative tasks, AI-ToolKit can support a variety of needs.
  • Columbia Supported Service: AI ToolKit is supported by Columbia, with opportunities to provide feedback that can help improve the service over time.
  • Streamlined Chat Interface: An easy to use chat experience for interacting with AI.
  • Multiple AI Models: Choose from a selection of leading AI models to find the best fit for your task.
  • Additional Features: Upload and work with files, save conversations, create reusable prompts, and organize chats with bookmarks.
  • Expanded AI Tools: Access capabilities such as Google Search through Columbia Agents, or create your own customized agents with Agent Builder that can be shared with other AI ToolKit users.

Approved Data Types

* - AI Toolkit is approved for CUIMC users to use Sensitive PHI data, provided it is used with approved AI models. By default, CUIMC users are restricted to approved AI models. 

AI Toolkit is approved for PII and RHI data as defined by the University Data Classification Policy for all users.

For users at CUIMC, please refer to the AI and Generative Technology Use at CUIMC page for additional information regarding AI tools approved for use with Sensitive Data.

FAQs

Users can view the available AI models for AI Toolkit at the following link

AI ToolKit is available at the following link. Log in with your Columbia UNI and password to get started.

AI ToolKit is a usage based service, with costs determined by actual use. 

All Columbia users receive a daily usage allocation of $0.15 at no cost to them. 

Some schools and departments may provide additional usage for their users. You can view your usage over time within AI ToolKit.

Currently individual usage increases are not possible in AI Toolkit. Usage Increases are only possible at the admin department or school level. 

If admin within your department or school is interested in an increased limit, please have them send an email to [email protected] for more details.

AI ToolKit uses advanced AI models that can provide useful and relevant information across a wide range of topics. However, AI generated responses may sometimes be outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. 

Always verify critical information using authoritative sources.

The goal is to use AI to support, not replace, the intellectual work that defines a Columbia education. The use of AI in preparing any academic work is subject to the discretion and guidelines of the course instructor. Faculty can determine the role of AI by starting with the learning objectives of the course or assignment rather than with the capabilities of the tool itself. When permitted for a particular exercise, the AI Toolkit can assist with academic tasks such as troubleshooting code, providing personalized tutoring, brainstorming topics, or offering feedback on drafts.

AI ToolKit is designed with user privacy in mind. Your conversations with AI ToolKit will be only visible to you. Always use caution when sharing sensitive or personal information in your interactions. 

For more information about how your data is handled and what information is appropriate to use with AI ToolKit , please review the Data Privacy section above.

For support, please send an email to [email protected].