Academic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy for Students and Faculty

Purpose 

This policy outlines the principles and expectations for the ethical, transparent and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by students and faculty. It aims to foster innovation and learning while upholding academic integrity, data privacy and equity. 

Definitions 

Artificial intelligence (AI)

The capability of computational systems to perform tasks normally completed by humans, including learning, reasoning, problem solving and decision making. 

Generative AI

Artificial Intelligence services that generate content, including text, images, music, audio and videos (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E, GitHub, Copilot). 

AI-Assisted Work

Any academic or administrative output that has been influenced or created with the help of AI tools. 

Policy

Academic Use of Artificial Intelligence 

Students

Permitted Uses

• Brainstorming, summarizing or clarifying course content, if allowed by the instructor. 
• Drafting outlines or receiving feedback, if allowed by the instructor. 

Prohibited Uses

• Submitting AI-generated content as original work without explicit permission. 
• Using AI to complete assessments, exams or assignments in violation of course policies. 

Faculty

Permitted Uses

• Enhancing course materials, generating examples or automating administrative tasks.
• Using AI to support student learning (e.g., tutoring tools, feedback systems). 

Prohibited Uses

• Faculty are prohibited from inputting non-public or copyrighted student or faculty works into a public AI tool or any AI tool where the College does not have an existing contract detailing how it will manage student data. Examples would include student work (students own the rights to their works) and copyrightable works, unless express permission from the author has been given or the work is in the public domain. 

Violations and Enforcement 

• Misuse of AI by students may result in disciplinary action under the institution’s Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy or student conduct policies. 
• Misuse of AI by College employees may result in disciplinary action for not being in compliance with applicable College and Minnesota State system policies and procedures (e.g., Minnesota State Community and Technical College AI in the Workplace Policy, Minnesota State Community and Technical College Academic AI Use Policy for Students and Faculty, Minnesota State system Procedure 5.22.1 Acceptable Use of Computers, and Minnesota State system 1.B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Policy)

Responsibility

College 

• Provide training and support for faculty and students on the responsible use of AI within academic contexts.

Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs 

• Review the policy annually and update if applicable to reflect technological advancements and evolving best practices. 

Faculty

• Clearly communicate course-specific AI policies in syllabi. 
• Model ethical AI use and guide students in responsible practices. 
• Exhibit caution when inputting personally authored copyrightable works into any AI service. 

Students 

• Exhibit caution when inputting their own copyrightable works into any AI service. 

Associated Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace Policy 

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Academic Honesty and Integrity Policy 

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources Policy 

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Student Code of Conduct Policy 

Minnesota State system 1.B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Policy Associated 

Minnesota State system Procedure 5.22.1, Acceptable Use of Computers