University of Southern Mississippi AI Policy

Each instructor will determine the permitted use of artificial intelligence in each course to ensure that student work demonstrates academic rigor, creativity, original research, and other discipline-appropriate aspects. Students are responsible for understanding what, if any, artificial intelligence tools are permitted for use in each course.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are permitted in this class when usage complements the learning outcomes of the course and assignments.

There are specific instances in this course where you will be allowed to use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist in your learning. Specific assignments where AI use is acceptable will be noted by the instructor clearly and unambiguously.

The intention of this course is to develop your capacity for critical reasoning through the use of gained knowledge, experience, and perspective, and as such, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not permitted for classwork.

Students should disclose AI assistance where applicable, and faculty must approve its use for coursework, supervised research, and examinations.

AI tools used for coursework must be cited appropriately.

The faculty will provide specific guidelines on permissible AI use in coursework and supervised learning activities.

Students should disclose AI assistance where applicable, and faculty must approve its use for coursework, supervised research, and examinations.

Any use of AI outside of acceptable use in the course is in violation of the Student Academic Integrity Policy at The University of Southern Mississippi.

The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in consequences deemed appropriate by the instructor and will be subject to the Academic Integrity Policy at The University of Southern Mississippi.

* Minor (impacting less than 10 percent of the assignment, test, presentation, or other course-related material) use of unauthorized technologies and/or artificial intelligence

* Use of artificial intelligence or prohibited technological devices that impact or are related to more 10% or more of a test, assignment, presentation, or other academic activity. Lower percentage levels may be assigned a level I violation.

i. Low-Risk Applications: AI may be used for tasks such as generating content drafts, language translations, or creating study materials, provided outputs are reviewed by a human.

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, GrammarlyGO, etc., can be a useful tool in some cases. It can also provide inaccurate information, plagiarize sources without citing them, or cause you to to run afoul of the the university's Academic Integrity Policy.

Remember that you are responsible for the content of any work you submit in class. If the generative AI program you use provides misinformation or includes uncited copyrighted material, it is your responsibility to correct the errors before you turn your work in.

What this means in practice is that you need to verify any information that an AI program provides you: check the sources and make sure they are real and appropriately cited, check the facts for accuracy, and make sure that you fully understand the content and how it integrates into your original work.

Generative AI tools include types of artificial intelligence technology that are “capable of generating text, images, code or other types of content, often in response to a prompt entered by a user” (Hughes, 2023, TechRepublic).

Each instructor will determine the permitted use of artificial intelligence in each course to ensure that student work demonstrates academic rigor, creativity, original research, and other discipline-appropriate aspects. Students are responsible for understanding what, if any, artificial intelligence tools are permitted for use in each course.

Any use of AI outside of acceptable use in the course is in violation of the Student Academic Integrity Policy at The University of Southern Mississippi.

v. Research Use

AI may be used in research provided it aligns with these guidelines.

Researchers must consider ethical implications, obtain necessary approvals, and avoid bias in data or algorithm use. Ensure that AI research complies with institutional review board (IRB) protocols, ethical standards, and sponsor imposed contractual requirements. Researchers must consult with any intended journals and their editors on their policies and/or standards on the use of AI for what is allowed, not allowed, and required for publication.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also viewed as academic dishonesty and our program has adopted the AI Prohibitive Use Policy unless it is explicitly permitted by your course instructor, major professor or supervisor. The AI Prohibitive Use Policy states that the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not permitted when writing one’s thesis or dissertation, coursework, or other faculty-supervised research products.

AI Use: The goal of the Honors Thesis is to develop your capacity for critical reasoning through in-depth and sustained research, the use of gained knowledge, experience, and perspective, and as such, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not permitted. Any use of AI tools for creation of content in the thesis may be considered a violation of The University of Southern Mississippi's Academic Integrity policy and the Honors Code.

AI may be used in research provided it aligns with these guidelines.

Researchers must consider ethical implications, obtain necessary approvals, and avoid bias in data or algorithm use. Ensure that AI research complies with institutional review board (IRB) protocols, ethical standards, and sponsor imposed contractual requirements.

a. Data Classification: Accurately classify all data used in AI systems, especially sensitive data. Avoid using high-risk data (e.g., student records, confidential research) unless verified secure by iTech and compliant with privacy standards.

b. Anonymization: Personally identifiable information (PII) must be removed from datasets before AI analysis, particularly when dealing with student or patient data.

d. Data Minimization: Limit data collection to what is strictly necessary for AI application to reduce exposure to sensitive information.

e. Data Security: Follow USM’s information security protocols to safeguard AI data. When data is processed by AI, employ practices consistently with the USM Information Security Policy.

In addition, generative AI is not secure, so using it to analyze confidential data is prohibited.

Researchers must consider ethical implications, obtain necessary approvals, and avoid bias in data or algorithm use. Ensure that AI research complies with institutional review board (IRB) protocols, ethical standards, and sponsor imposed contractual requirements. Researchers must consult with any intended journals and their editors on their policies and/or standards on the use of AI for what is allowed, not allowed, and required for publication.

When AI systems interact directly with individuals, e.g., research participants, students, faculty, or staff, informed consent is required. This includes clear communication of the purpose, scope, and potential impacts of data collection and analysis. Individuals should have the option to opt out without facing negative consequences.

Students should disclose AI assistance where applicable, and faculty must approve its use for coursework, supervised research, and examinations.

AI tools used for coursework must be cited appropriately.

As such, it requires courses to have a defined policy on whether using artificial intelligence is permissible and, if permitted, a statement on how it will be cited when used to ensure the proper maintenance of academic integrity.

You are required to cite usage of these tools in academic work and will be provided with examples of how to do so to ensure academic integrity.

Citing AI usage promotes transparency and academic honesty, ensuring that all contributions are properly attributed.

Any use of AI outside of acceptable use in the course is in violation of the Student Academic Integrity Policy at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Your instructor of this course should provide guidance regarding non-generative technologies, including translation and access software, spelling and grammar checkers, and may reserve the right to send any submitted work through AI detection software.

The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in consequences deemed appropriate by the instructor and will be subject to the Academic Integrity Policy at The University of Southern Mississippi.

* Minor (impacting less than 10 percent of the assignment, test, presentation, or other course-related material) use of unauthorized technologies and/or artificial intelligence

* Use of artificial intelligence or prohibited technological devices that impact or are related to more 10% or more of a test, assignment, presentation, or other academic activity. Lower percentage levels may be assigned a level I violation.

Any student, faculty, or staff found to have violated these guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or termination of employment in accordance with procedures defined by USM administrative policies stated in the handbook governing that individual.

Your course instructors, major professor, and supervisors reserve the right to send documents through AI detection software.

Your thesis advisor should provide guidance regarding non-generative technologies, including translation and access software, spelling and grammar checkers, and may reserve the right to send any submitted work through AI detection software.

Instructors are encouraged to guide discussions with students about ethical use within the discipline and course perspective as well as to highlight the varied uses across courses at USM.

Each instructor will determine the permitted use of artificial intelligence in each course to ensure that student work demonstrates academic rigor, creativity, original research, and other discipline-appropriate aspects.

AI can enhance administrative processes, but final accountability rests with staff. AI must not independently make decisions that significantly affect individuals without human review. Ensure AI-driven administrative tools are accessible to all members of the USM community.

Faculty are encouraged to integrate AI thoughtfully into curricula while preserving core learning objectives.

Training on the ethical and secure use of AI is the responsibility of each AI user and should be completed before using AI tools and systems. The university may from time to time provide workshops through venues such as the Center for Faculty Development. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of training both internal and external to the university.

a. Data Classification: Accurately classify all data used in AI systems, especially sensitive data. Avoid using high-risk data (e.g., student records, confidential research) unless verified secure by iTech and compliant with privacy standards.

b. Anonymization: Personally identifiable information (PII) must be removed from datasets before AI analysis, particularly when dealing with student or patient data.

c. Compliance: AI use must adhere to applicable data privacy laws and regulations, including FERPA and HIPAA.

d. Data Minimization: Limit data collection to what is strictly necessary for AI application to reduce exposure to sensitive information.

e. Data Security: Follow USM’s information security protocols to safeguard AI data. When data is processed by AI, employ practices consistently with the USM Information Security Policy.

In addition, generative AI is not secure, so using it to analyze confidential data is prohibited.

These guidelines establish a framework for the ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI at USM. The goal is to ensure AI tools and systems are used in alignment with the university’s values of academic integrity, data privacy, and transparency while fostering innovation.

AI Taskforce established by the Academic Integrity Director

AI syllabus language required. Faculty select from three options.

USM Partnership with Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) established.

The AI Taskforce recommends establishing an AI Director role to oversee curriculum management, alongside the responsibilities outlined in the infrastructure recommendations. This position will be essential for staying current with advances in AI, guiding best practices for integration, and assessing related initiatives across the institution.

o Senior leaders adopt and disseminate an Institutional Position Statement for AI at USM.

o Provide faculty and staff development on AI.

o Determine faculty credentialing requirements for teaching courses that incorporate AI.