SUU's Guiding Principles for Generative Artificial Intelligence

With a forward-thinking approach, Southern Utah University has consciously chosen to incorporate generative AI into its operations, guided by the following principles that encourage its responsible and ethical use. These principles reflect the University's commitment not only to advance technologically but also to enrich SUU's academic community, balancing progress with purpose.

  1. Responsible AI Development: The responsible design, development, and usage of generative AI are essential for its ethical applications and societal benefits.
  2. Human-Centered AI: AI should enhance human learning and creativity. AI should be primarily assistive and include human interaction.
  3. Academic Freedom: SUU recognizes that these principles should not be interpreted to diminish academic freedom.
  4. Accountability: Humans must be held accountable for their decisions and actions, even when assisted by AI.
  5. Purpose-Driven Learning: AI literacy and education should recognize the value of human knowledge, experience, emotion, and imagination, as well as foster fulfilling career paths and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff.
  6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Responsible AI development and implementation requires diverse expertise from fields such as ethics, law, social sciences, arts, sciences, and humanities.
  7. Equitable Access: Generative AI tools in higher education should be accessible and inclusive. This commitment to equitable access also includes ensuring that AI technologies are developed and implemented with consideration for diverse perspectives and experiences.
  8. Ethical Usage and Disclosure: Appropriate disclosure of AI-assisted work is essential to ethical usage. AI usage should align with the University's applicable policies. Users of AI must be aware of their individual level of authorization to disclose information.
  9. Legal and Privacy: AI usage will adhere to data privacy and other applicable laws. Users of AI must be aware of the privacy risks.
  10. Continuous Assessment: A flexible and evolving response to the rapid advancements in AI technology will ensure SUU keeps pace with advancements in generative AI and that our policies remain effective and relevant. This continuous assessment includes conducting evidence-based, ongoing assessment of AI usage in higher education, evaluating its positive and negative impacts on learning outcomes.

Adapted from The Responsible AI Manifesto for Marketing and Business and with added suggestions from Claude and ChatGPT.

Resources

Questions?

For questions about these guiding principles, contact the co-chairs of the Generative AI Committee:

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Provost's Office