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
The WashU ChatGPT is compliant for use with sensitive data and WashU intellectual property, including information protected under HIPAA and FERPA.
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.