AI Tool Guidance

Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI Tools at Tuck

At Tuck, we are committed to fostering innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, data privacy, and ethical responsibility. The following guidelines are designed to help our community navigate the evolving landscape of generative AI tools responsibly and effectively. These AI guidelines should be utilized in conjunction with the wider Dartmouth Information Technology Policy. 

1. Safeguard Confidential and Sensitive Information 

Protecting confidential and sensitive information is paramount. This includes data such as student records, financial information, proprietary research, and personal identifiers. In accordance with Dartmouth’s Information Security Policy, all members of the Tuck community are responsible for ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional data. 

When using generative AI tools, adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Avoid Inputting Sensitive Data: Do not input confidential or sensitive information into publicly available generative AI tools, as these platforms may not guarantee data privacy and could expose information to unauthorized parties.
  • Use Approved Tools: Only utilize AI tools that have been vetted and approved by Tuck IT and Dartmouth’s Information, Technology & Consulting (ITC) department for handling sensitive information. Approved tools are designed to comply with Dartmouth’s data protection standards. Please refer to Tucks  AI Tools and Resource Hub to see a list of current tools.
  • Understand Data Classification: Familiarize yourself with Dartmouth’s data classification levels (DISC 0 to DISC 3) to determine the sensitivity of the data you handle. Ensure that the AI tools you use are appropriate for the classification level of the data involved. Other Dartmouth policies around information security, privacy, intellectual property, data governance and more can be found here.
  • Consult Tuck IT for Guidance: If you are uncertain about the appropriateness of an AI tool for specific data types, consult with Tuck IT. We can provide guidance on data protection requirements and assist in evaluating AI tools for compliance with institutional policies. Visit: https://it.tuck.dartmouth.edu/ to get in touch. 

2. Verify AI-Generated Content Before Use 

AI-generated outputs can contain inaccuracies, biases, or fabricated information. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate and verify the accuracy and appropriateness of any AI-generated content before sharing or incorporating it into your work. 

To ensure the reliability of AI-generated content: 

  • Cross-Check Information: Always corroborate AI-generated information with credible sources, especially when dealing with factual data, statistics, or references.
  • Assess for Bias and Sensitivity: Be vigilant for potential biases or culturally insensitive material in AI outputs. AI models may inadvertently produce content that reflects societal biases present in their training data.
  • Maintain Transparency: If AI tools are used in your work, disclose their usage appropriately, ensuring transparency in your academic or professional contributions. 

The use of AI-generated content requires careful human oversight. You must verify and, if needed, revise content to maintain accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with institutional values before dissemination. 

3. Adhere to Academic Integrity Standards 

  • Familiarize yourself with Tuck’s Academic Honor Principle, which emphasizes integrity and honesty in all academic endeavors. Refer to the student handbook for more detailed information.
  • Faculty should clearly communicate their expectations regarding the use of AI tools in coursework and assignments.
  • Students should seek clarification from faculty members if uncertain about permissible uses of AI tools in their academic work.
  • Guiding Principles on the Use of AI Tools in Academics:
    • Faculty should strive to be clear in their syllabi and elsewhere about where AI tools are allowed and where they are not allowed in their courses, including their possible use in supporting activities such as brainstorming and proofreading. This may also include restrictions on the use of course materials for training or as other input for generative AI systems.
    • Students should take the time to understand the AI-related policies in each of their courses and seek input from relevant faculty if there is any perceived ambiguity. Tuck’s Honor Principle governs adherence to course policies, including those related to generative AI.
    • Students should be transparent about any use of AI tools in their coursework. As with other source material, use of AI tools should be cited appropriately. 

4. Remain Vigilant Against AI-Enhanced Phishing and Security Threats 

  • Be aware that AI technologies can be used to create sophisticated phishing attempts and other security threats.
  • Exercise caution with unsolicited communications and report any suspicious messages to Tuck’s IT security team. 

5. Utilize Approved AI Tools for Tuck Activities 

Ensure that the AI tools you employ for academic and administrative tasks meet institutional standards. 

  • Use Vetted Tools: Employ only those generative AI tools that have been reviewed and approved by Tuck’s IT department for official academic and administrative tasks.
  • Seek Approval for New Tools: Consult with Tuck IT before adopting new AI tools to ensure they meet institutional standards and compliance requirements. Reach out to Tuck IT: https://it.tuck.dartmouth.edu/ 

6. Exercise Caution with AI-Powered Meeting Assistants 

  • Obtain Approval and Consent: Do not use AI-powered meeting assistants (e.g., transcription or summarization tools) during Tuck meetings unless the tool is approved, and all participants have provided informed consent.
    • Zoom AI Companion & Microsoft Teams (Transcription and Copilot in Teams) are approved tools.
  • Avoid Sensitive Discussions: Avoid employing such tools in meetings that involve confidential or sensitive information.
  • Review and Manage Outputs: Review and, if necessary, correct AI-generated summaries before distribution, and delete them when they are no longer needed. 

7.  When in Doubt, Get in Touch! 

For questions, further guidance, or to discuss the use of generative AI tools at Tuck, please reach out to Tuck IT: 

Tuck IT is here to assist you in navigating AI tools responsibly and in alignment with Tuck and Dartmouth’s policies.