WebStore, Access ChatGPT EDU with University of Illinois Single Sign-On

University of Illinois students, faculty, and staff can access ChatGPT EDU, a version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT integrated with University of Illinois single sign-on (SSO). This guide explains how to register and log in whether you’re a new user or already have an existing ChatGPT account associated with your university email address.

Step 1. Complete Your Registration

  1. After purchasing your ChatGPT EDU subscription through the Illinois WebStore, open your order confirmation page.

  2. Click complete and submit this form.

  3. Once your registration is processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation from WebStore.

Step 2. Activate Your ChatGPT EDU Account

OpenAI will send you an email once your ChatGPT EDU account has been created. Depending on whether you already have a ChatGPT account connected to your university email, follow one of the two paths below.

No ChatGPT Account with Illinois Email Address

If you’ve never used ChatGPT with your university email address:

  1. Click the Join workspace link in your ChatGPT EDU invitation email, or go to https://chatgpt.com/.

  2. Click the Log in botton.

  3. Enter your full University of Illinois email address, then click Continue (do not use the Google, Microsoft, or other login options).

  4. Review the ChatGPT Getting Started tips and click Okay, let’s go.

You can now start using ChatGPT EDU with your university account.

Existing ChatGPT Account with Illinois Email Address

If you already have a ChatGPT account connected to your University of Illinois email, you’ll be asked what to do with your existing data and history. You’ll have two options:

  • Transfer existing chat history and GPTs: merges your old data into your EDU account (your old workspace is deleted).

  • Export and delete existing chat history: exports your data via email, then deletes your old workspace.

To complete setup:

  1. Click the Join workspace button in your ChatGPT EDU invitation email, or go to https://chatgpt.com/.

  2. Click Log in. You may see a pop-up confirming your invitation to the University of Illinois workspace.

  3. Enter your full university email address, then click Continue.

  4. When prompted, select the University of Illinois SSO login option.

  5. Complete the Shibboleth login and 2-factor authentication steps. You’ll be redirected back to ChatGPT.

  6. Choose one of the data options:

    • Option 1: Click Transfer existing chat history and GPTs then click Confirm transfer to merge your existing data into your EDU account.

    • Option 2: Click Export and delete existing chat history to export and remove your existing data.

      • You’ll receive an email with your data export link valid for 24 hours only.

  7. After completing your selection, review the ChatGPT tips and click Okay, let’s go and you can now start using ChatGPT EDU with your university account.

If you exported data Check your email for the OpenAI export notification. Click Download data export within 24 hours, after that the link expires.


Keywords:
Chat, GPT, SSO, OpenAI 
Doc ID:
155885
Owned by:
GenAI Support in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2025-10-22
Updated:
2025-11-11
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services