Welcome to Amplify AI, Davidson's hosted version of an open-source platform for generative AI! Amplify AI provides a centralized and customized environment to access several AI models.
Remember, you may encounter bugs, or differing behavior than expected, alongside advanced features. We encourage you to explore and provide feedback as we continue to develop and refine this tool for the Davidson College community.
For more information about the types of data that can be used in Amplify, see the Davidson Data Categories article.
Note: This information was updated January 2026
Table of Contents
How to Access and Sign In
- Go to: amplify.davidson.edu
- Select Sign in
- Sign in with your Davidson College email address (e.g., username@davidson.edu) and Password.
Understanding the AI Models
Amplify AI provides access to a selection of leading large language models, each with its own strengths. When to choose which model?
For complex tasks, creative writing, or deep reasoning: Start with GPT 5.2 (Default) or Claude Sonnet 4.5. These are the most capable models available, excellent for following complex instructions, nuanced writing, and handling difficult logic.
Where speed matters, or for quick, general questions: Use GPT 5 Mini or Claude Haiku 4.5. These models are optimized for speed and efficiency, making them perfect for brainstorming, summarizing simple texts, or getting quick answers where deep reasoning isn't required.
For coding or tasks requiring strong logical consistency: Claude Sonnet 4.5 is widely considered the premier model for coding and complex logical structures. GPT 5.2 is also highly capable for these tasks and can be a great alternative if you need a second opinion.
If you aren't getting the result you want with one model: Try the other! Sometimes Claude Sonnet 4.5 will interpret a prompt differently than GPT 5.2. Switching models is often the quickest way to get unstuck.
Beyond Basic Chat: Using Assistants and Prompt Templates
Amplify AI enhances your interactions through specialized features located on the right-hand sidebar:
- Assistants: Think of Assistants as pre-configured AI experts designed for specific tasks. These can be general-purpose "Amplify Helpers" or created by you to aid with campus-specific needs (e.g., writing guides, research tools tailored to library resources). Explore these to see if a specialized assistant can streamline your work.
- Prompt Templates: These are pre-written starting points for your conversations. Using a prompt template can save you time and ensure you provide the AI with the necessary context for effective responses, especially for common tasks.
- Custom Instructions: Similar to "Gems" in Gemini, you might find an option to add "Custom Instructions." This allows you to provide overarching guidelines or persona details that the AI should always adhere to in your chats, making its responses more consistent with your preferences.
Known Limitations
While Amplify AI is powerful, please keep the following in mind:
- Developed by Higher Ed: Amplify’s development is led by Vanderbilt University, with T&I maintaining a hosted version based off of their open source code. As a product developed within higher education, you may encounter bugs or find features that lag behind commercial solutions.
- No Conversational Memory Between Chats: Amplify AI models do not "remember" information from one chat conversation to another. If you tell it your name in one chat, and then open a new chat (even with the same model), you'll need to re-introduce yourself or any prior context. Each new chat begins with a fresh memory slate.
- No Web Search Capabilities: At this time, amplify does not have the capability to search the web or review specific websites you give it. Only files you directly upload, and its own training base are used to answer questions.
- File Type Support: Some file types may not be fully supported for analysis or processing within Amplify. Most PDFs, CSV, and DOCX files are expected to work with Amplify, however exceptions may exist. If your file fails to upload or be recognized, you may try saving it in a different format (e.g., converting a complex PDF to a plain text file or a different PDF version).
Tips for Effective Use
To get the most out of Amplify AI:
- Be specific: Provide clear and detailed prompts to guide the AI towards the best response.
- Experiment: Don't hesitate to try different models or rephrase your questions if you're not getting the desired results.
- Iterate: Refine your prompts based on the AI's responses. It's often a conversational process.
- Explore Assistants: Check the "Assistants" section for specialized tools that might directly help with your task.
- Check for Sources (if available): If the AI provides information that should be sourced, remember to verify it independently.
We encourage you to explore Amplify AI and discover how these powerful tools can enhance your work and learning at Davidson College!