BearcatGPT AI platform now available to UC students

University of Cincinnati Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) is excited to announce that BearcatGPT, the university’s private and secure AI platform, is now available to all UC students.

DTS expanded BearcatGPT access to all UC faculty and staff during fall semester 2025, after a successful limited-use pilot of the UC-only OpenAI/GPT environment.

Developed as part of UC’s Bearcats AI Ready! initiative, BearcatGPT provides secure, university-supported access to powerful AI tools designed to enhance learning, productivity, and creativity.

“Expanding BearcatGPT to UC students supports the university’s efforts to advance student success,” said UC Vice President and Chief Digital Officer Bharath Prabhakaran.

“By providing secure, university‑supported AI tools, we’re enabling the UC community to engage responsibly with emerging technologies.”

BearcatGPT is designed to support a wide range of university needs in a secure, institutionally governed environment. Students can use it as learning companion to:

• Generate study guides and practice questions.
• Break down complex concepts into clearer explanations.
• Explore coding support and technical problem-solving.
• Brainstorm project ideas.
• Prepare for exams.

BearcatGPT operates within a secure university environment and aligns with UC’s data and privacy standards. Information entered into BearcatGPT is not used to train external public models.

Students should always follow course-specific and instructor guidance regarding AI use.

Please visit ai.uc.edu for more information about AI-related information and resources at the university including:

• Relevant university policies that apply to the use of AI.
• Key characteristics of responsible AI.
• General guidelines to support responsible use of AI.
• An AI guide for students.

Sign into BearcatGPT with your UC credentials to get started.

Select courses will feature BearcatGPT powered AI tutoring agents that help students reinforce key concepts, practice problem solving, and learn at their own pace through step-by-step guidance. These tools are already available in multiple courses, reaching several thousand students, with additional course aligned AI capabilities continuing to roll out throughout the academic year.

In addition to exploring other AI tools and platforms, BearcatGPT will continue to be enhanced with additional capabilities, guidance, and resources shaped by the needs of the university’s academic and administrative communities.

“Our goal is to make AI accessible, responsible, and empowering for the entire UC community,” said Digital Technology Solutions Associate Vice President Josette Riep.

“Expanding BearcatGPT to students helps ensure they have secure, university-supported tools that strengthen learning, support academic success, and spark innovation.” 

• For help with BearcatGPT, submit a BearcatGPT AI Request and Support Ticket.
• For questions about AI at UC or to suggest a collaboration opportunity, please submit an DTS AI Enablement Team contact form. 
• For more information about AI at UC, visit ai.uc.edu.