Overview

This page provides guidelines and resources for safely integrating AI into academic and administrative practices at the VT College of Engineering.

Use of generative AI models in higher education is increasing. Navigating their use by faculty, staff, and students will be an ongoing process. Here are several key guidelines for the University community:

  • Understand security concerns when using AI tools.
  • Explore and experiment with AI cautiously.
  • Never input sensitive data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), or information protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 
  • Review AI output against reliable sources to assure accuracy. Verify sources.
  • Consult your departmental IT staff before installing AI tools or plug-ins on university owned computers. 
  • Stay informed about AI advancements.
  • Promote ethical AI use, including respecting intellectual property and avoiding plagiarism. Model this behavior for students in your own work.
  • Document usage of AI tools for transparency and accountability.
  • Review Policies to address legal compliance and ethical standards.

Specific Use Cases

Administrative Use

  • Scheduling and Calendar management
  • Drafting email correspondence
  • Customer support Chatbots
  • Data filtering and organization
  • Website code creation and design
  • Meeting transcription and summarization
  • Video and Audio editing

Research Use

  • Summarize research and generate bibliographies to assist with literature reviews
  • Analyze large datasets from experiments, identifying patters and generating visualizations.
  • Assist in drafting and refining research proposals, making it easier to secure funding.
  • Edit and ensure consistency in collaborative documentation among faculty and students.
  • Create templates and customize proposals to meet requirements of funding agencies.

Teaching and Learning Use

  • Generative AI tools are by students and faculty is only going to increase.
  • Instructors should establish guidelines for student use of AI, and ensure honor code compliance.
  • AI detection tools can produce false positives, complicating enforcement.
  • Students have access to the same detection software, allowing them to easily disguise AI.  

AI Resources