The University of Pennsylvania and the Information Systems and Computing division are pleased to announce the launch of PennChat, a new AI platform now available as a pilot to all Penn faculty, staff, and students.
Before using generative AI in your coursework, read the Master of Health Care Innovation (MHCI) Program and Penn's guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence in the next section.
MHCI Program Policy and Penn's Guidance
Using generative AI as a thought partner in your coursework may enhance your critical thinking and creativity for certain types of assignments. Before you use generative AI in health care innovation courses, however, please read:
- The Course Policy which is unique to your instructor. This can be found in the Before You Begin module on the "Use of Generative AI" page.
- The HCIN Course Policy on Academic Honesty
Which includes information about acceptable uses of AI, as well as guidelines for acknowledging AI usage in your work. - Penn’s Guidance on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Which includes information about transparency, security, bias, privacy, and confidentiality.
Remember that it is plagiarism to submit work produced substantially by an AI tool. AI should supplement your own thinking, not replace it.
PennChat
PennChat provides a single interface for accessing multiple large language models (chat only), including GPT and Claude models, through a secure Penn-managed environment.
Getting Started
To use PennChat:
- Be an active Penn faculty member, staff member, or student. UPHS employees, including graduate medical trainees, are not eligible for this service*.
- Eligible users can connect from:
- An on-site University or UPHS location
- If you are off-site use the Penn, PSOM, or UPHS GlobalProtect VPN service
- Access PennChat at https://pennchat.upenn.edu/.
- Sign in with your PennKey.
Watch a Recorded Demonstration of PennChat
Watch a recorded demonstration of Penn Chat Pilot Launch Virtual Town Hall (PennKey required).
Using PennChat Responsibly
As you begin using PennChat, please keep the following guidance in mind:
- PennChat is hosted within Penn's secure AWS-hosted environment, and data entered into the platform is covered by Penn’s BAA and is not used to train AI models.
- PennChat may be used with Low, Moderate, and most High-risk data, except SSNs and credit card data.
- Do not enter identifiable and protected health information (including names, medical record numbers, and other sensitive information); this tool is not HIPAA approved.
- Review all AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness before using it in your work.
- Follow Penn’s Data Risk Classification Policy and data handling guidelines.
- You should always check with your local school or center’s IT Support Provider before entering data into any third-party tool.
Additional information, including FAQs, is available Penn's Information Systems and Computing's (ISC) website.
Pilot Feedback and Support
Because PennChat is being introduced as a pilot, you may encounter issues or have suggestions for improvement. We welcome your feedback.
- For technical assistance accessing PennChat, please submit a ticket or contact your LSP.
- To provide feedback and report technical issues with PennChat, submit a ticket directly to the PennChat team.
- After the pilot concludes, fees for continued use and potential usage limits may be implemented.
Thank you for participating in the PennChat pilot. Your feedback will help shape the University's enterprise AI platform as we continue expanding its capabilities.