This article explains the two options available when your existing @maine.edu ChatGPT account moves into the University of Maine System ChatGPT Edu workspace. Review the differences before beginning the migration so you know what may transfer and what should be saved separately.
IMPORTANT: You are not choosing whether your account moves into UMS ChatGPT Edu. You are choosing whether supported content moves with it or is exported as a downloadable copy.
What do you need to review?
Compare Transfer and Export
| What to compare |
Transfer supported content |
Export a copy |
| What happens |
Supported chats and Custom GPTs move into UMS ChatGPT Edu. |
ChatGPT creates a downloadable copy of your existing account content instead of moving it into UMS ChatGPT Edu. |
| How you receive your content |
Supported content appears in the UMS ChatGPT Edu workspace after the migration. |
ChatGPT emails you a link to download a copy of your existing account content. |
| Existing workspace |
Your existing workspace is removed after the transfer. |
Your existing workspace is removed after the export is created. |
| Using your old chats |
Supported chats may remain available as conversations in the UMS workspace. |
The download is for reference only. It cannot recreate your chats as normal conversations in UMS ChatGPT Edu or another workspace. |
| Best for |
Most users who want to continue working with their existing supported content. |
Users who do not want their existing content moved into the institutionally managed workspace. |
Option 1: Transfer Supported Content
Choose this option when you want supported chats and Custom GPTs moved into UMS ChatGPT Edu.
Your existing workspace is removed after the transfer. Not everything in the workspace is expected to move, so save anything important before beginning the migration.
Option 2: Export a Copy
Choose this option when you do not want your existing content moved into UMS ChatGPT Edu.
After you choose export, ChatGPT will email you a link to download a copy of your existing account content. The download is for reference only and cannot be used to recreate your chats as normal conversations in UMS ChatGPT Edu or another workspace.
INFO: Watch for the download email after selecting export. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it.
What May Transfer
The following content may transfer when you select the transfer option:
- Supported chat history and conversations
- Supported Projects
- Supported Custom GPTs
INFO: Transfer results may vary. Review the UMS workspace after the migration before recreating anything.
What May Not Transfer
Save any of the following that you may need after the migration:
- Custom Instructions
- Memories and personalization settings
- Projects
- Canvas documents
- Library images
- Sharing links and permissions
- Custom GPTs that depend on content or settings that do not transfer
Projects and Custom GPTs appear in both lists because whether they transfer may depend on their configuration and the content, files, settings, or resources connected to them.
Wait until the migration is complete before rebuilding Projects or Custom GPTs. Review what transferred first, then recreate only what is missing.
Before You Choose
Complete these checks before beginning the migration:
- Review the content in your current ChatGPT workspace.
- Save anything you cannot afford to lose.
- Copy your Custom Instructions into a document or note.
- Download Library images and save important Canvas documents.
- Note any memories, personalization settings, sharing links, or permissions you may need to recreate.
- Decide whether you want supported content moved into the institutionally managed workspace.
IMPORTANT: Once the migration prompt appears in ChatGPT, you may not be able to close it and return to your existing workspace. Complete your review before requesting access.
When you are ready to continue, return to Prepare and Move Your ChatGPT Account to UMS ChatGPT Edu.
Environment
- University of Maine System
- ChatGPT Edu
- UMS employees and students
- ChatGPT accounts associated with an @maine.edu email address
- Free, Plus, and Pro ChatGPT accounts
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