University of Oregon AI Policy

We strongly encourage instructors to have an explicit policy about generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their course syllabus, including any relevant distinctions between GenAI use (as process) and GenAI content (as product). We also encourage instructors to reinforce their expectations in assignment instructions and in conversation with students.

We also advise that instructors consider making AI use voluntary or, if AI use is part of a required course assignment or activity, include an opt-out alternative for students who do not want to create an account with an AI system or interact with them.

Use of AI-enabled glasses or other AI-enabled digital wearables is not allowed in our class. Students will be asked to remove them prior to exams and class sessions. Students with prescription smart glasses should be prepared to switch to standard prescription glasses or contacts while in class.

Use of these disallowed tools may violate UO’s academic misconduct policy.

Like any tool students might use to engage in the work of a course—from library books to research databases to internet search engines—GenAI systems present opportunities for students to learn important skills, including creativity, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and discerning use of resources, among others.

We encourage instructors to talk explicitly with students about the pluses and minuses of GenAI systems as they help or hinder learning in a course.

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT might be used to

* Generate or check code used on websites for web publishing purposes. (Code used in protection of UO systems and institutional information should never be shared with a publicly available AI tool.)

The use of material taken from any source—whether directly quoted, paraphrased, or otherwise adapted—should be attributed to that source. This includes materials from artificial intelligence (AI) content generators and generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. There may be specific citation formats required for academic uses.

In general, all work, published or not, should cite AI-generated elements, noting the organization responsible for creating and maintaining the tool used, the title of and version of the tool, the prompt used, the date, and a link to the tool.

Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection is currently your most secure option for generative AI. When you're logged into Copilot with your UO account, the data you enter will be encrypted and won't be used to train any external large language models.

In contrast, the UO currently doesn't have enterprise contracts that cover ChatGPT, DALL-E, or most other AI tools. We therefore recommend that users exercise caution when interacting with these systems to avoid unintended release of intellectual property, copyrighted materials, trade secrets, or personally identifiable information such as addresses or other contact information.

Only low-risk (green) data is appropriate for Copilot.

Don't enter moderate- or high-risk data (amber or red).

Failure to adhere to expectations around proper citations could constitute a violation of UO policy, including the student conduct code, and/or state or federal laws.

Failure to adhere to expectations around data sharing and privacy could constitute a violation of UO policy, the student conduct code, and/or state or federal laws.

The use of material taken from any source—whether directly quoted, paraphrased, or otherwise adapted—should be attributed to that source. This includes materials from artificial intelligence (AI) content generators and generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. There may be specific citation formats required for academic uses.

In general, all work, published or not, should cite AI-generated elements, noting the organization responsible for creating and maintaining the tool used, the title of and version of the tool, the prompt used, the date, and a link to the tool.

Regardless of the method of resolution, relevant University Officials, including faculty members, are required to file a written report of any academic misconduct with the Director.

If the Respondent is found in violation of academic misconduct in a course, in addition to the Action Plan imposed through the regular student conduct procedures, the faculty member may assign an appropriate academic sanction, up to and including an “F” or “N” for the course.

Humans must evaluate, fact-check, and review AI-generated outcomes before using in any work product.

UO marketing and communications staff must provide judgment, reasoning, and context while also infusing life and the UO brand voice into final products.

Provide initial editing and proofreading. (A UO, human editor should always review and approve any AI-generated content suggestions before publication.)

Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection is currently your most secure option for generative AI.

In contrast, the UO currently doesn't have enterprise contracts that cover ChatGPT, DALL-E, or most other AI tools. We therefore recommend that users exercise caution when interacting with these systems to avoid unintended release of intellectual property, copyrighted materials, trade secrets, or personally identifiable information such as addresses or other contact information.

Only low-risk (green) data is appropriate for Copilot.

Don't enter moderate- or high-risk data (amber or red).

Data Consumers’ responsibilities include:

* Following the policies and procedures established by the appropriate Data Stewards, Data Custodians, and the CISO.

* Complying with University policies and federal, international, and state laws and regulations associated with the University Data and information system use.

* Implementing safeguards for protecting data as prescribed by appropriate Data Stewards and the CISO.

Do not use in prompts or otherwise feed any AI tool any personally identifiable or confidential information, intellectual property, licensed or copyrighted materials, or any source code, especially that protecting institutional data.

University Communications encourages exploration of generative AI services with the following guiding principles in mind:

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) services, which generate text, images, or other media in response to human-generated prompts, are rapidly growing and evolving. Many generative AI applications carry immense potential across a wide range of marketing communications disciplines, including graphic design, writing, and software development. However, users must exercise caution to ensure accuracy and transparency and to avoid disclosure of proprietary or confidential institutional data.