Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can learn from and mimic large amounts of data to create content such as text, images, music, videos, code, and more, based on inputs or prompts.

The university supports and encourages the responsible and secure exploration of AI tools. When using any publicly accessible, non-protected AI tools, it is vitally important that you do not enter any Washington University or secure data, including deidentified healthcare data of any kind, into these platforms.

IT Guidance

It is the user’s responsibility to protect sensitive data and verify content when using generative AI tools.

Be Mindful Not to Share Sensitive Information

Do not enter confidential or protected data or information, including non-public research data, into publicly available or vendor-enabled AI tools.

Information shared with public AI tools:

Is not considered private.
May be added to the tool’s knowledge base and provided to other users.
Is usually claimed to be the property of the vendor.

These Tools Can be Inaccurate

Each individual is responsible for any content that is produced or published containing AI-generated material.

AI tools sometimes “hallucinate,” generating content that can be highly convincing, but inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated.
It may contain copyrighted material.
All AI-generated content should be reviewed carefully for correctness and cited properly before submission or publication.

Adhere to Current Academic Integrity Policies

Review university, school, and department handbooks and policies.

Schools will be developing and updating their policies as we learn more about AI tools.
Faculty members should teach and advise students about policies on the permitted uses of AI in classes and on academic work.
Students are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification about these policies.
AI may contribute intentional and unintended forms of plagiarism and falsification of data.

Be Alert for AI-Enabled Phishing

AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create sophisticated scams at a far greater scale.

Continue to follow security best practices and report suspicious messages via the Phish Report button in Outlook or email to phishing@wustl.edu.

AI Tools

AI Application Chart

WashU ChatGPT

Contact IT When Procuring Generative AI Tools or Adding AI Functionality in Existing Applications

The university is working to ensure that AI Tools procured on behalf of WashU have the appropriate privacy and security protections.

If you have procured or are considering procuring AI Tools, please fill out the AI Interest Form (via OneTrust)and provide the following:
- What problem are you trying to solve with AI?
- Data being used
- The product or service to be used
- Contact information

In line with university procurement policy for IT hardware and software, vendor generative AI tools must be assessed for risk by WashU’s Office of Information Security prior to use.

This includes the following:
- Existing tools that add or expand AI capabilities
- New purchases of vendor AI tools

For AI questions unrelated to procuring AI tools, contact aiquestions@wustl.edu.

WashU AI News

Introducing Box AI: A powerful new AI tool for faculty, staff, and students

February 13, 2025

WashU faculty, staff, and students now have access to Box AI, an innovative new tool that integrates generative artificial intelligence directly into the Box cloud storage platform. Whether drafting reports, analyzing research data, or managing large volumes of content, Box AI can help streamline workflow, enhance productivity, and provide deeper insights into stored documents. Box AI is already […]

Copilot for M365 now available

November 12, 2024

An innovative tool designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows within Microsoft 365 applications, Copilot is now available at WashU. Whether you’re trying to capture accurate meeting minutes or create an email or report, Copilot can save you time, allowing you to get more accomplished throughout the workday. Those interested in purchasing a license for […]

Answers to questions about Zoom’s AI Companion and security

October 8, 2024

There have been many questions about Zoom’s AI Companion and the security of the transcriptions it creates, as well as the content Zoom uses to train its AI model. Check out a new knowledge base article (KBA) offering a brief overview of the AI Companion tool and WashU’s default settings. “Zoom is always adding and […]

WashU ChatGPT upgrades to GPT-4o

September 24, 2024

Recently, the Washington University ChatGPT was upgraded to use Open AI’s new GPT-4o “omni” model – one of their most advanced artificial intelligence model capable of complex problem solving. The upgrade to GPT-4o will provide better functionality to WashU users, with text generation at double the speed and significant improvements with non-English languages. Additionally, it will offer a more seamless […]

Is AI a risk or a catalyst for advancing EDI?

June 4, 2024

Is AI perpetuating or bridging gender gaps? “Artificial Intelligence and Gender Equality,” a thought-provoking article by UN Women, explores this intriguing topic. With real-world examples, like gender-biased AI outputs and how AI systems are conceptualized and built, it uncovers the exciting potential for AI to help promote a more inclusive future.