News & Updates
Stay current with AI policy changes, new tool approvals, campus updates, event recaps, and strategic announcements across the University of Maine System.
Announcements
ChatGPT Edu update
This spring, the University of Maine System (UMS) announced we would provide our faculty, staff, and students with essential infrastructure for teaching and learning, research, and operations in the form of ChatGPT Edu from OpenAI. As we shared at the time, UMS believes there is value in investing in this secure, System-wide enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) tool because we want all employees and students to have equal access and support to explore using AI safely and responsibly — though taking advantage of this new resource is entirely voluntary.
UMS Awards First Enterprise AI Contract to ChatGPT Edu
Vice Chancellor Ryan Low announced the University of Maine System has awarded its first System-wide enterprise AI platform contract to ChatGPT Edu from OpenAI. Starting July 1, 2026, every faculty member, staff member, and matriculated student will have access through their UMS account — funded entirely from System investment income with no new student fees or campus cost share.
May 2026
UMS to Launch ChatGPT Edu to Accelerate Student and Institutional Success
Maine’s public universities will provide ChatGPT Edu to all faculty, staff, and matriculated students starting July 1 as part of a commitment to workforce preparation and operational efficiency.
March 2026
UMS AI Landscape Report Published
Comprehensive assessment of AI readiness across the University of Maine System, covering governance, tools, policies, training, and peer benchmarking. The report establishes the baseline for strategic AI planning.
February 2026
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Available System-Wide
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is now available to all UMS employees through existing M365 licensing at no incremental cost. This provides basic AI chat capabilities within the Microsoft ecosystem.
February 2026
AI Acceptable Use Policy Updated
The UMS Acceptable Use Policy has been updated to include specific guidance on generative AI tools, data classification requirements, and prohibited uses. All employees should review the updated policy.
January 2026
UMA Receives $400K Davis Foundation Grant for AI & VR
The University of Maine at Augusta has been awarded a two-year grant to expand secure enterprise AI tools and VR instruction, redesigning at least 20 undergraduate courses across six disciplines.
Event Recaps
HLC 2025 Annual Conference — AI in Higher Education
Vice Chancellor Ryan Low presented UMS’s AI strategy at the Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference. The presentation covered governance structures, the multi-tool portfolio approach, and lessons learned from the first year of enterprise AI deployment.
Key Highlights
Maine AI Conference 2025
Annual conference hosted by the UMaine AI Initiative, bringing together 40+ affiliated faculty, industry partners, and students. Featured presentations on AI research, teaching applications, and ethical considerations.
Key Highlights
EDUCAUSE 2025 — ‘A More Human University’
CIO Robert Placido’s EDUCAUSE Review publication and presentation explored how AI can deepen rather than diminish the educational experience, arguing for a ‘more human university’ enabled by thoughtful AI integration.
Key Highlights
Archive
|
Date |
Update |
Type |
|---|---|---|
|
May 2026 |
UMS Awards First Enterprise AI Contract to ChatGPT Edu |
Announcement
|
|
May 2026 |
UMS to Launch ChatGPT Edu to Accelerate Student and Institutional Success |
Press Release
|
|
March 2026 |
UMS AI Landscape Report Published |
Report
|
|
February 2026 |
Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat Available System-Wide |
Tool Update
|
|
February 2026 |
AI Acceptable Use Policy Updated |
Policy
|
|
February 2026 |
Spring 2026 AI Workshop Series Announced |
Training
|
|
January 2026 |
UMA Receives $400K Davis Foundation Grant for AI & VR |
Grant
|
|
January 2026 |
Claude Team Licenses Now Available |
Tool Update
|
|
November 2025 |
HLC 2025 Annual Conference — AI in Higher Education |
Event
|
|
October 2025 |
Maine AI Conference 2025 |
Event
|
|
October 2025 |
EDUCAUSE 2025 — ‘A More Human University’ |
Publication
|
|
September 2025 |
ChatGPT Team Deployment Expanded |
Tool Update
|
|
August 2025 |
Scribehow Pilot Completed |
Pilot
|
|
June 2025 |
AI Task Force Established |
Governance
|
|
May 2025 |
Chronicle of Higher Education Feature |
Media
|
|
March 2025 |
Initial AI Governance Framework Approved |
Policy
|
|
January 2025 |
Enterprise GenAI RFP Process Initiated |
Procurement
|
