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Questions
- How do I get access to Claude at Bowdoin?
- What are the different levels of Claude access?
- Do I need approval to use Claude?
- What is LibreChat, and how is it different from the Claude apps?
- As a student, what do I need to do before I can use AI tools?
- Can faculty get Claude for a whole class?
- How do I request Claude for research?
- How do I get programmatic access to Claude?
- I have a Hastings grant. How does that affect my access?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin community members who want to use Claude.
- Who: Students, faculty, and staff.
- What: Bowdoin's tiered access model for AI tools: LibreChat, the Claude apps and tools, and (coming soon) application programming interface (API) access through Portkey.
Resolution
Bowdoin provides access to Claude in three tiers. You can start with the open tier right away and request more capability when your work needs it.
Tier 1: LibreChat (open to everyone)
LibreChat is Bowdoin's hosted gateway to Claude, available to the whole community for general use. LibreChat is the fastest way to get started and requires no access request.
Important (students): Students must complete the required Artificial Intelligence Ethics course before LibreChat access is granted. Access is enabled after your course completion is recorded.
Tier 2: Claude tools directly (by request)
If you need the full Claude experience, which includes the Claude web, desktop, and mobile apps, Claude Code, and Cowork, submit a Claude access request. The request asks who you are, what you want to do, and which tools you need.
- Faculty research use and faculty requests for whole-class use are approved automatically, with no review step.
- Other student and staff requests may require review before access is granted.
Note: When you are ready to request Tier 2 access, use Claude Access Request in the Related Services section.
Tier 3: API access through Portkey (coming soon)
For programmatic and advanced research workloads, Bowdoin plans to offer API access to Claude models governed through the Portkey gateway. This tier is in development.
Note: If you anticipate needing API access, say so on your access request so the team can follow up when the Portkey gateway is available.
Which tier is right for me?
- I just want to try Claude or use it for general tasks: Tier 1, LibreChat (students complete the Artificial Intelligence Ethics course first).
- I need the Claude apps, Claude Code, or Cowork: Tier 2, submit the access request.
- I am building or scripting against Claude models: Tier 3, API access through Portkey (coming soon).
What the access request will ask for
To move quickly, have this information ready before you start the access request:
- Your role: student, staff, or faculty.
- Your purpose: research, coursework or assignment, teaching (whole-class use), personal or professional development, or other.
- Whether you have been approved for a Hastings grant, and if so, how long the grant runs and what level of access it covers.
- Which tools you need: chat, Claude Code, Cowork, Fable, or "not sure."
- The funding source for any usage costs, such as a grant or a department budget.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
AI-assisted content: This article was drafted with the assistance of an AI writing tool and reviewed by Bowdoin IT staff for accuracy.