Tools
CAIL Sandbox
Chat platform for teaching and research with open-weight models
The CAIL Sandbox provides CUNY students, faculty, and staff with an AI chat interface and a curated set of open-weight models. While conversations are privately stored in your Sandbox account, all requests to providers prohibit model training and are configured for zero data retention. Users can configure models to their needs while also gaining insight into the environmental impacts of their tool use.
Existing approved users can sign in with CUNY Login. If you need access or cannot sign in, request access or support.
For current model availability, check the Sandbox model selector. Our Model Registry provides Lab-reviewed reference notes for a smaller set of models.
Custom Models
Custom models and use cases prototyped inside the CAIL Sandbox
Sandbox Workspace
Prototype custom models through system prompts tied to knowledge collections, then extend them with agentic skills and tool calling.
Course-Specific Models
Built for specific courses to address problems or bottlenecks in the classroom. Often grounded in syllabi, lesson plans, and/or course material to help scaffold assignments and provide targeted support to students learning difficult or unfamiliar topics.
Pilot Projects
AmigAI, used on multiple CUNY campuses, helps non-native and heritage Spanish learners practice conversational Spanish through culturally responsive pedagogy. Faculty in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM have developed similar use cases.
Need access?
Apply for individual or class access. Approved class instructors can manage their roster and class link.