Guidelines for AI Use at KSU

As Kennesaw State University embraces the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance learning and administrative processes, we are committed to responsible and ethical use of these technologies.

To ensure data protection when using AI, use Microsoft Copilot when logged in with your KSUmail address and password. 

Please note that AI tools (with the exception of Copilot when logged in with KSU credentials) should only be used with institutional data classified as Public, such as general university information, campus maps and parking details, class schedules and course catalogs, academic policies, press releases, news updates, and departmental contact information. 

General Guidelines

To ensure a positive and productive experience for all, we’ve established the following guidelines for AI use at KSU: 

  1. Ethical Use: Always use AI in ways that uphold KSU’s values and ethical standards. Avoid using AI to mislead, deceive, or compromise academic integrity, privacy, or security. 
  2. Secure Use: Be mindful of information you share with AI, and never share sensitive information, including university business, personal details, proprietary research, or any data protected by law.
    • To protect KSU data, use Microsoft Copilot while signed in using your KSU credentials.
    • Keep in mind that most generative AI systems learn from the data they receive and save all content you submit as well as all content generated by the AI. 
  3. Transparency: Be transparent about the use of AI in academic and administrative contexts. Clearly communicate when AI is being utilized, especially in coursework or decision-making processes that impact students, faculty, or staff. 
  4. Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy of others when using AI tools. Ensure that the use of AI complies with KSU’s privacy policies and relevant laws, safeguarding personal and sensitive information. 
  5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Use AI to support inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the KSU community. Ensure that AI tools are designed and used in ways that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. 
  6. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about AI advancements and their implications. Engage in training and educational opportunities provided by KSU to understand how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. 
  7. Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate and share feedback on AI tools and practices. Your input helps us continuously improve how AI is integrated at KSU, ensuring it meets the needs of our diverse community. 
  8. Accountability: Take responsibility for the use of AI in your work or studies. It's essential to take ownership of how we use AI, ensuring that AI is applied ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with best practices. 

Remember: UITS is here for you! Please contact the KSU IT Service Desk with any questions or concerns. 

USG Guidelines

For details about USG policies, check out the following resources:

  • USG Information Technology Handbook—The IT Handbook provides guidelines, best practices and recommendations to be followed by each USG institution. The IT Handbook sets forth procedures that each USG participant organization must follow to meet both Board of Regents policy mandates and the statutory or regulatory requirements of the State of Georgia and the federal government.
  • USG Artificial Intelligence Guidelines—This companion guide is to aid USG organizations when contemplating, procuring, implementing and maintaining Artificial Intelligence oriented solutions.  

Guidance for Students

IMPORTANT: Always check your syllabus before using AI for academic work. While UITS is excited to provide guidance on leveraging AI, particularly generative AI, the decision of when, how, or whether to use it in your coursework is ultimately up to your instructor. We encourage you to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

Please note that The KSU Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has updated the language in the KSU Codes of Conduct regarding AI. Here’s the revised section on cheating (from page 21):

Cheating. Receiving, attempting to receive, knowingly giving or attempting to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any course work (including, but not limited to, examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers) is considered cheating, as is engaging in any behavior that a professor prohibits as academic misconduct in the syllabus or class discussion. Unless specifically authorized, using and/or having access to electronic devices during an examination, quiz, test or other assessment is automatically considered cheating, regardless of the student’s reason for using/accessing the device. Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence is another form of cheating. Authorized use of artificial intelligence is subject to the stated course instructors’ policy as described in a course syllabus or/and in class discussions. Consult with course instructor as needed. Additionally, unauthorized collaboration and sharing of materials in an electronic group chat is cheating, and said participation shall be determined by an evaluation of all facts available regarding participation. 

Guidance for Faculty

Faculty wanting to use Artificial Intelligence to improve productivity in grading, writing, and research should be cautious and diligent when entering student data or intellectual property into these systems. To ensure data security and FERPA compliance, faculty should use their KSU Microsoft credentials (NetID) to log in to Microsoft Copilot. A green shield and check mark icon will be present in the upper right corner of the dashboard to indicate that you have successfully logged in to the protected enterprise version of Copilot. To log in, visit copilot.microsoft.com. AI is advancing very quickly, and this guidance is likely to change with future advances. If you have questions, submit a DLI service ticket for assistance.