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IMSS  /  Services  /  Generative AI  /  AI Tools at Caltech  /  Claude AI at Caltech

Claude AI at Caltech

What You Can Use Claude For

  • Writing, summarization, and analysis
  • Coding and research support
  • Brainstorming and productivity
  • General day-to-day work tasks

For Caltech Work

  • Use Caltech Enterprise Claude whenever available
  • Follow course, research, and institutional policies
  • Disclose AI usage when required

Data Protection Requirements

Do NOT enter the following into AI tools:

  • Student data (FERPA)
  • Health or medical data (HIPAA/PHI)
  • Unpublished research or intellectual property
  • Export-controlled data (ITAR/EAR)
  • Sensitive HR, financial, or business data

Entering sensitive data into consumer AI tools may be treated as public disclosure

Subscriptions & Purchasing

Plans

  • Standard: ~2× token allocation
  • Premium: ~5× token allocation

Key Notes

  • Subscriptions are annual only
  • You can upgrade by submitting a new request
  • Monitor token usage in account settings

How to Purchase

After Purchase

  • The Help Desk completes account setup after billing

Getting Started: Access & Accounts

How to Access Caltech Claude

  • Log in using SSO with your Caltech email

Migrating a Personal Claude Account

Option A — Merge (Recommended)
  1. Log into your personal account
  2. Go to Settings → Account → Change email
  3. Switch to your Caltech email
  4. Merge into Enterprise

Includes transfer of:

  • Conversations
  • Projects
  • Memory
  • Custom instructions

This is permanent; your personal account will be closed

Option B — Manual Export
  1. Settings → Account → Export Data
  2. Download ZIP file

Notes:

  • No import into Enterprise
  • History is reference only
  • Projects must be recreated manually

Security Best Practices

  • Use the least amount of data necessary
  • Validate all outputs (AI can be incorrect or biased)
  • Do not share outputs without review
  • Keep sensitive and non-sensitive workflows separate

Responsible Use

Follow Caltech principles:

  • Disclosure: Be transparent about AI usage
  • Data Protection: Safeguard institutional data
  • Content Responsibility: Verify AI outputs
  • Honor Code: Maintain academic integrity

Working with Documents

  • Use OneDrive or SharePoint via Microsoft 365 connector
  • Store documents in approved locations
  • Follow proper controls when working with institutional data

Privacy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my personal Claude account to Caltech?
Yes — update your account email to your Caltech address and merge into Enterprise.

Can I transfer my chats and projects?
Yes, via account merge (recommended). Manual export provides reference only (no import capability).

Can students purchase Claude?
Yes, but a PTA is required. Work with your PI or department admin.

Can I pay via my Bursar account?
No — only PTA-based payment is supported currently. Please contact the Bursar's Office for help.

Can I upgrade from Standard to Premium?
Yes — submit a new request specifying the upgrade

Are monthly subscriptions available?
No — subscriptions are annual only

How do I monitor usage?
You can track token usage in your account settings

When are new models available?
New models are available as soon as they are released

Can Caltech or Anthropic access my data?
Refer to Caltech data policies and Anthropic privacy documentation for details

Advanced: Handling Sensitive or Restricted Data

Use Cowork (Desktop App) When

  • Only with Caltech-managed devices
  • Drafting emails, reports, or presentations
  • Working with non-sensitive documents
  • Performing general productivity tasks

Required Controls

  • Use browser-based Claude only (not desktop)
  • Disable Web Search:
    • Start new chat → click "+" → uncheck Web Search
  • Keep sessions isolated
  • Avoid mixing with external or unverified data

Support & Contacts