Colorado State Builds Private AI to Protect Student Data

Colorado State University is leading a new wave in higher education by partnering with Microsoft to create RamGPT, a private AI system that protects student data while preparing them for an AI-powered future.

Unlike ChatGPT, which uses public data to train its system, RamGPT operates on a secure network where all information stays completely private. That means students and faculty can safely enter sensitive research data, personal information, and academic work without worrying it will be harvested or shared.

"We get this secure, private fence that goes around all of our data, so whatever happens here stays here," said Brandon Bernier, CSU's vice president for information technology. The models aren't getting trained on student information, and all institutional data stays protected.

The university invested $120,000 to launch the program last year and will spend $142,000 annually to maintain it. RamGPT will debut for students this spring, while CSU-GPT launched in October for the broader campus community.

Students can use the system to get help writing resumes, creating cover letters, building LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for job interviews. The AI is being fed university-specific information so students can quickly find mental health resources, campus yoga classes, or academic support in one centralized location.

Faculty can use the technology to automate tedious administrative tasks, freeing up time for teaching and research. The goal isn't to replace human work but to handle the busywork that bogs down professors and staff.

"The world is changing so quickly that I would be uncomfortable if we weren't doing something like this," said Bruce Draper, a computer science professor at CSU.

The Ripple Effect

While only 13% of universities surveyed by the Chronicle of Higher Education are moving full speed ahead with AI adoption, CSU is betting that preparing students now will give them a competitive edge in tomorrow's workforce. The secure system addresses one of the biggest concerns about AI in education: protecting privacy while embracing innovation.

Some students and faculty worry the technology might encourage plagiarism or reduce critical thinking. But university leaders emphasize keeping humans in the loop and using AI as a tool, not a replacement for learning.

CSU's bold move could set a new standard for how universities adopt emerging technology without sacrificing student privacy.