Statement on Artificial Intelligence

As a future-ready institution, Susquehanna University is committed to embracing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). We recognize that AI presents both significant opportunities and challenges, offering new avenues for innovation in teaching, research, and administration while also introducing ethical, privacy, and security risks. This statement provides the foundation for responsible AI integration at Susquehanna, outlining the guidelines we will follow to ensure that AI is implemented thoughtfully, ethically, and in alignment with our core values as we navigate this important journey together.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology with significant implications for individuals, organizations, and society. While its potential offers many opportunities, the speed of its development presents both benefits and challenges, particularly in how we teach, learn, and work. The university supports the responsible use of AI but recognizes that these tools have limitations and pose risks that must be carefully considered. There are four major risks to keep in mind when using generative AI:

Privacy Concerns: Generative AI often does not respect individual privacy rights. Personal data entered into these systems could violate data protection laws.

Bias and Inaccuracy: The input data used to train AI may be biased, inaccurate, or misleading, potentially perpetuating societal and structural inequalities.

Data Security and Integrity: The use of generative AI may compromise data security, copyright protections, and academic integrity.

Environmental and Economic Impact: The development and deployment of AI systems can contribute to significant environmental costs, such as high energy consumption for data processing and storage. Economically, the integration of AI may influence how certain roles evolve, creating opportunities for skill enhancement and innovation.

We have established the following guidelines for the responsible use and governance of Artificial Intelligence within Susquehanna University. These guidelines are designed to ensure that AI technologies are implemented ethically, securely, aligned with the university’s mission and values, and in accordance with regulatory laws and guidelines while fostering innovation in academics, research, administration and student services

• Ethical Use of AI: Use of all AI applications must adhere to ethical standards, disciplinary norms and expectations, avoiding bias, discrimination, or harm to individuals or groups. In academic contexts, the ethical use of AI must also include adherence to academic integrity standards. Students and faculty must ensure that AI tools do not contribute to plagiarism or the misrepresentation of authorship in academic work.
• Transparency and Accountability: Users must be informed about the use of AI in decision-making processes, including areas such as student evaluations and curricular assessment. Accountability for AI-generated outcomes should be clearly defined. In academic settings, students are required to disclose their use of AI tools in their work and provide clear attribution when appropriate. This ensures transparency and upholds academic honesty.
• Data Privacy: AI applications must comply with relevant data protection laws and university policies to ensure the privacy and security of personal information.
• Training and Education: Employees and students involved in AI development or implementation must undergo training to enhance their understanding of AI technologies, the ethical implications and responsibilities to maintain confidentiality of university information. Guidance will be developed on the appropriate and inappropriate use of AI tools in academic work, with a focus on upholding academic integrity and preventing plagiarism.
• Cybersecurity Measures: AI systems must be designed and maintained with robust cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
• Governance and Oversight: An AI Committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students, will oversee the implementation and ongoing review of AI practices on campus. This committee will be responsible for guiding the development of specific AI policies and ensuring adherence to ethical and privacy standards.
• AI in Academics and Research: AI tools may be integrated into the curriculum to enhance and innovate teaching and learning, but they should complement, not replace, human instruction. Efforts should be made to ensure that all students have equitable access to AI tools and resources, so that no student is disadvantaged in their learning experience. The use of AI tools in academic work must be disclosed to ensure that students’ contributions are original, and proper credit is given for AI-generated assistance.
  Research involving AI must adhere to ethical guidelines, particularly when it involves sensitive data or human subjects. Additionally, any research making use of AI must maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and transparency, especially when AI contributes to the creation or analysis of data.
• AI in Administration: AI may be used to enhance administrative efficiency in areas such as recruiting, scheduling, and student services. The implementation of AI tools will be monitored to ensure fairness and effectiveness. Employees and students will receive appropriate training to adapt to new AI-driven processes.

As AI technology evolves, this statement will provide a foundation for more detailed, specific policies developed by the campus community.

Adopted by Susquehanna University Board of Trustees on October 21, 2024.