Artificial Intelligence

AI at WCU

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµAI Logo

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ is embracing the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI to enhance education, research, and administrative processes. The IT Division collaborates with the university community to adopt these tools strategically and responsibly.

AI simulates human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks like learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Generative AI, a subset of AI, focuses on creating new content—such as text, images, music, or code—based on existing data.

By integrating these technologies, we aim to empower our community, improve learning experiences, and streamline operations.

 


AI Software

All AI software must be reviewed prior to use, including software intended for data categories Green or Blue. All software that has not been approved for campus-wide use, including free and research-related requests, must complete the 

Software that has been approved for campus-wide use has agreements in place with approved data security and privacy standards. Use of these tools must still follow the Data Handling Procedures. 

No AI Tools have been approved for use with Yellow, Orange or Red data.

The following list offers guidance on AI software and university data.

The following list of tools have been vetted and have existing contracts in place allowing for campus-wide use.

 

Software Guidance
Adobe Creative Cloud Firefly with Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµcredentials Software approval for individual purchases are available. Submit questions about a license at   Adobe uses AI in some software applications. Firefly is the generative AI software used to create images.
Canva Enterprise with Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµcredentials Software licenses managed by University Communication and Marketing. Online design tool. 
Khanmigo Canvas Integration Campus wide teaching support tool enabled in Canvas. Follow the .
Microsoft Copilot Chat with Enterprise Data Protection with Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµcredentials Campus wide generative AI tool accessed through .
Zoom AI Companion Meeting summary tool for faculty and staff meeting hosts that must be reviewed after being generated. Access granted after completing the . 

 

Security Checklist

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To use AI safely and responsibly, please follow this checklist to protect university data:

Accountability for Data Outcomes

Users of AI tools are responsible for the data they generate. When using consumer AI applications whether purchased, free, or open source (e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-E, Anthropic), exercise caution, as the data may become public. While major university software contracts (such as Microsoft, Canvas, Zoom, and Adobe) prioritize data protection, it is crucial to adhere to established handling guidelines.

Protect Confidential Information

Never input confidential or legally restricted data (e.g., personnel records or data protected by FERPA, HIPAA, PCI) into any AI tool. This includes any information classified as Orange or Red according to WCU’s data classification policy.

Assume Public Disclosure

Treat all information shared through AI tools as if it will be made public. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information and be aware that data entered into AI tools may be retained by the vendor.

Follow Procurement Guidelines

All AI purchases, including enhancements to existing licenses, must comply with WCU’s established . This ensures that appropriate legal, privacy, and security reviews are conducted.

Utilize Approved Enterprise Tools

When using university devices, or data, work with AI solutions that have been reviewed and approved by the university. Unlike free consumer versions, these enterprise-wide tools require your campus login and typically do not use your data to train their systems.

Be Aware of Bias and Inaccuracy

AI-generated responses can be biased, inaccurate, or inappropriate, and may include unauthorized copyrighted material. It is each user’s responsibility to review and verify the outputs generated by AI tools to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.

Applicable Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµPolicies 

Policy 52 - Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources

Policy 97 - Information Security and Privacy Governance

Policy 117 â€“ Information Security

Policy 122 â€“ Video Capture

Policy 119 â€“ Software Lifecycle

Data Handling Procedures Related to the Information Security & Privacy Governance Policy

 


Guiding Principles

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AI Use at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ is dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and ethically to enhance its academic and administrative functions. The following principles serve as an adaptable guide for university decision-making regarding AI adoption and use.

Innovation and Efficiency

Cultivate an environment that encourages AI research and innovation while considering potential societal effects and ethical implications. Seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency through AI implementation. 

Human Oversight

Prioritize human involvement in the creation of final products, considering the evolving nature of AI tools.

Data Security and Privacy

Protect personal information and comply with data protection laws and policies. 

Accessibility

Make AI technologies available to everyone in the university community, regardless of their background, abilities, or financial situation. Work to remove biases in AI systems to ensure fairness.

Ethical Standards and Integrity

Uphold principles that ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI usage. 

Affordability

Ensure that AI tools are cost-effective and do not place undue financial burden on the university.

Transparency in AI Processes

Ensure that AI-driven processes and decisions are clear and comprehensible to all involved parties. 

Clear Accountability

Set clear responsibilities for AI deployment and its outcomes. Follow North Carolina law and procurement policies.

Ongoing Education

Provide regular opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn about AI technologies, ethical considerations, and best practices. 

Continuous Evaluation

Use relevant metrics to assess progress and ensure continuous improvement in AI use.

 

Adapted from the