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LSU Unveils MikeGPT: An AI Assistant to Streamline Faculty and Staff Workflows

Louisiana State University has introduced MikeGPT, a new artificial intelligence assistant tailored to meet the needs of its faculty and staff. Designed to provide quick answers to LSU-related questions, the tool offers a secure alternative to mainstream AI systems like ChatGPT.

MikeGPT is the result of a collaborative effort led by LSU Provost Roy Haggerty and a dedicated team of faculty and students who have spent several semesters developing the platform. Highlighting the innovation, Haggerty stated, “As one of the few universities to create an AI assistant like MikeGPT, LSU demonstrates leadership in integrating cutting-edge technology into our academic and administrative processes.”

While promising efficiency, the AI comes with a user guide that advises caution. It warns that MikeGPT might sometimes deliver inaccurate information, requiring users to verify its responses. This concern reflects broader debates about the role of AI in potentially spreading misinformation.

Haggerty, a strong advocate for AI, incorporates the subject into his teaching and has championed its integration into LSU’s strategic plans. Despite these advancements, the university has yet to implement a unified policy regarding student use of artificial intelligence, a topic that has sparked increasing scrutiny nationwide.

MikeGPT, named after LSU’s iconic tiger mascot, is exclusively available to university faculty and staff. However, its database excludes certain LSU-specific content, such as athletics, the LSU Foundation, and archived dissertations. While limited to institutional use, the platform signals a broader shift in how universities are leveraging AI to enhance academic and administrative operations.