As Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its integration into our daily operations offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and enhanced communication. At Michigan State University (MSU), we are committed to leveraging these technologies in ways that align with our institutional values of collaboration, equity, excellence, integrity, and respect. This guidance outlines our approach to utilizing generative AI tools to support administrative and communication tasks while upholding our ethical standards.
Principles for Generative AI Use
These principles should be viewed as a collective set of high-level considerations rather than instructions for any specific AI application or use. The goal is to outline overarching concepts to encourage ethical and beneficial practices with AI, not to dictate rigid rules for every potential use case.
- Empowerment Through AI: Generative AI should serve as an extension of human capability, not a replacement. It should augment our creativity and productivity, ensuring that human insight remains paramount in our decision-making processes.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Our use of AI will prioritize creating outputs that are accessible to all, fostering an environment of equity and diversity. We strive to be thoughtful and critically reflective of AI biases to ensure fairness and non-discrimination in all AI-driven endeavors.
- Quality and Precision: Users are responsible for the content generated by AI, ensuring it meets our high standards for accuracy and relevance. All AI-generated outputs should undergo thorough review to maintain the integrity and excellence of our work.
- Data Privacy and Ownership: In alignment with our commitment to honoring authorship, privacy, and data governance, all information must be handled with the utmost care. Data should only be entered into an AI system with a complete understanding of its compliance with appropriate security and privacy measures, and with the express consent of stakeholders and authors in cases where intellectual property is concerned. AI tools should be subjected to a rigorous assessment of their security and privacy measures before use. For more information on data use and generative AI at MSU, please review the Interim Guidance on Data Uses and Risks of Generative AI.
- Transparency and Accountability: AI applications used in tasks should be disclosed. Our community deserves clarity on how AI influences our work, ensuring transparency and traceability in our AI practices.
- Adaptability and Continuous Learning: We commit to staying abreast of AI advancements, embracing continuous learning to refine our policies and practices in line with the latest developments and societal expectations.
- Sourcing and Reliability
- Vetting AI Tools: Before adopting any AI tool, it must be vetted for its reliability, security, and alignment with MSU's ethical values. This includes consulting with information technology (IT) professionals and adhering to privacy, security policies, and environmental responsibility. More information can be found in the IT Procurement Process.
- Documentation and Review: AI tools should be documented, including their purposes, the rationale for their selection, and the outcomes they are intended to achieve. This documentation will facilitate accountability and continuous improvement.
Implementation
This guidance is a living document, subject to revision as AI technologies and societal norms evolve. We encourage the MSU community to engage with AI responsibly, creatively, and ethically, contributing to a harmonious future where technology and humanity progress.