Custom AI Assistants

A custom AI assistant is a tailored version of AI that follows specific instructions and has special knowledge of a certain topic. Creating and using a custom AI assistant enhances accuracy, relevancy and efficiency of the AI model.

Why Use a Custom AI Assistant?

General AI tools like ChatGPT are helpful for broad tasks, but their memory is often limited. For SDSU projects, custom AI Assistants through ChatGPT or Gemini are recommended. They stay pre-loaded with your specific guidelines to ensure consistent, brand-aligned output across sessions. Plus, these custom tools can be easily shared with co-workers.

SDSU Assistant Examples

The custom AI assistant should have a specific role or identity that maps to your needs. Here are SDSU-oriented examples:

  • Homecoming Campaign Promoter - generate draft event messages and outreach ideas.
  • College Newsletter Planner - help structure stories, suggest headlines and maintain consistent tone.
  • Research Communications Strategist - draft press release ideas or simplify research summaries for public audiences.
  • Student Engagement Assistant - create Q&A resources and review social and written content from a student perspective.

How to Start

  1. Identify a Use Case: Define a specific problem, need or task that you have. Think about repetitive or time consuming tasks or a workflow gap. Start with one focused task.
  2. Gather Helpful Information: Compile documents, reports, brand guidelines or notes that relate to what you want the custom AI assistant to do. 
  3. Create Your Custom AI Assistant via GPT or Gem: Follow the instructions listed below to create your custom AI assistant. 
  4. Refine with Data and Instructions: Tailor your custom AI assistant by giving it clear instructions (tone, audience, role) and linking relevant documents. Hint: If you’re unsure how to word the instructions, describe the task you wish the assistant to perform and have the AI platform create instructions for you. 
  5. Test and Improve: Use real examples to see how the custom AI assistant does. Adjust instructions, refine uploaded content or add documents as needed. Iteration improves accuracy. 

Build Your Assistant with ChatGPT

  1. Log in to ChatGPT.
  2. Select Explore GPTs from the left menu.
  3. Click Create.
  4. Enter your custom AI assistant’s name, description and role.
  5. Add clear instructions (e.g., tone, audiences, do/don’t lists).
  6. Upload documents that provide context or knowledge.
  7. Save and test your GPT.

Build Your Assistant with Gemini

  1. Log in to Gemini.
  2. Select Gems from the menu.
  3. Click + new gem 
  4. Define your Gem’s role and audience.
  5. Add instructions and optional files.
  6. Save and test your Gem with sample prompts.

Best Practices for Custom AI Assistants

Here are a few tips to get the best results and keep your custom AI assistant aligned with SDSU’s brand:

  • Keep it Focused: Define a narrow role for each custom AI assistant
  • Instructions: Be specific; describe the tone, style and audience. Provide examples of output.
  • Document Tips: Use clean, accessible formats (PDF, DOCX, TXT, or CSV for tabular data) and start small with 5-20 key documents with a focus on quality over quantity.
  • Data Safety: Never upload confidential, proprietary, or embargoed information.
  • Maintain and Update: Review how your custom AI assistant does over time and update files and instructions as needed.

Share Your AI Assistant

SDSU Campus with many students walking around the main square.

Share Responsibly:

  • Share custom AI assistants only with SDSU colleagues who need access
  • Confirm uploaded content is approved for internal sharing
  • Review shared assistants periodically for accuracy and relevance

Steps to Share:

Within the custom AI assistant, look for an “Invite” “Share” “Collaborate" or “Settings” button. You may be able to share via link or email invite. Remember to include context about the purpose and how to use the specific custom AI assistant.