AI Guidelines and Best Practices at FSW

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Information about AI Guidelines and Best Practices at FSW

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and professional environments. This article represents an effort to ensure all stakeholders can access the most up-to-date and relevant information to use AI ethically and effectively.

Definitions:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to systems or tools capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, including but not limited to decision-making, problem-solving, and language understanding.
  • Generative AI: A subset of AI that uses large language models (LLMs) and other advanced algorithms to create content, such as text, images, audio, or video, in response to user input.
  • Large Language Models (LLMs): AI systems trained on vast text datasets to understand and generate human-like text.

Core Principles:

Academic Integrity and Authorship

Official Policy

  • Use of generative AI must not compromise academic honesty. AI-assisted work must be disclosed as required on a course-by-course basis. COP 03-1503 Academic Integrity Policy

Guidance to Consider

  • All uses of generative AI should complement, not replace, human expertise and judgment, particularly in instructional and evaluative contexts.
  • Faculty should clearly state in their syllabi if and how generative AI may be used in their courses, including any restrictions or expectations for disclosure.

 

Transparency and Documentation

Guidance to Consider

  • When generative AI tools are used in a significant manner for academic work, research, or college projects, users should document and disclose their use.

 

Awareness of AI Limitations, Risks, and Ethical Implications

Official Policy

  • User must refrain from creating harmful, manipulative or deceptive content, such as deepfakes or misleading text unless for approved, supervised instructional purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, misinformation, hate speech, explicit material, and unapproved impersonation or deepfake content. COP 01-0104 Freedom of Speech and Expression, COP 02-0405 Technology Acceptable Use, BOT 6Hx6:2.03 Discrimination and Harassment Policy, BOT 6Hx6:6.01 Student Code of Conduct

Guidance to Consider

  • Users should understand the limitations of AI tools, including the potential for errors, “hallucinations” (fabrication of information), and bias, as well as broader social concerns related to AI use. Users should make reasonable effort to mitigate any known biases or limitations in the AI tools utilized.

 

Privacy and Data Protection

Official Policy

  • Users are prohibited from inputting personally identifiable information, educational records, or other confidential data into generative AI platforms that have not been vetted and approved by FSW, including those managed by third-party vendors. Users must understand the data policies of the AI tools they use. COP 02-0405 Technology Acceptable Use

 

Accessibility

Guidance to Consider

  • Faculty and staff should prioritize selecting generative AI tools that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

 

Suggested Uses

  • Faculty may use AI tools that enhance instruction and support teaching objectives, such as generating illustrative examples, designing assignments, or facilitating interactive learning experiences.
  • Students may leverage AI to enhance, not replace learning. Generative AI may aid in creating study guides and skills-building exercises, unless explicitly directed otherwise by the instructor of a course.
  • Employees may use AI to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, support innovation, and maximizing impact within one’s role.

 

Institutional Support:

  • FSW offers workshops, resources, and guidance for responsible AI use. Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to consult with the Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies for questions about best practices, ethical considerations, and approved tools.
  • FSW maintains a centralized repository of AI-related resources, including guidelines, training materials, and tool evaluations, to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders.

 

 
 
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