AI Policies & Governance
The term "Generative AI" describes any type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can produce new text, images, video, or audio clips. Technically, this type of AI learns patterns from training data and generates new, unique outputs with the same statistical properties. Generative AI models learn patterns in data and generate new content. Once trained, the neural network can generate content similar to the data it was trained on.
Governance
Effective governance of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) requires ongoing collaboration, communication, and oversight across the University.
GenAI Advisory Committee
The Suffolk University GenAI Advisory Committee consists of administrators, faculty, and staff. It meets twice a semester to inform members about AI-related matters. The committee has two working groups: AI innovation, and community engagement. Policies developed for different units and schools may be informed by the committee's guidelines.
Full AI guidelines are available on My Suffolk
Co-Chairs
| Fouad Yatim (Leader of AI Innovation Working Group) Information Technology Services Contact Fouad |
Micky Lee (Leader of Community Engagement) CAS Dean's Office & CJN Contact Micky |
Suffolk University supports the responsible use of generative AI while ensuring that University information is appropriately protected. Before requesting a paid AI platform, review the University’s AI and information security requirements, determine whether existing University-provided AI tools meet your needs, complete appropriate training, and develop a clear plan for how the requested tool will be used. The steps below will help you determine whether a paid AI license is appropriate and how to request one.
Requirements for requesting a Paid Gen AI Account is available on My Suffolk
Classroom Policy
To support academic integrity and provide clear expectations for students, faculty must communicate how GenAI may be used in their courses. The University has established a consistent framework for defining permissible GenAI use, while allowing instructors to align AI expectations with their course learning objectives.
Shared AI in the Classroom Policy
Adopted jointly by the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and Sawyer Business School (SBS). Applies to all students and instructors across in-person, hybrid, and online courses.
View the full Shared AI in the Classroom Policy [PDF]
GenAI Usage Levels
Faculty must clearly specify their course's approach to GenAI use in all syllabi using one or more of the levels outlined.
View the full syllabus template
| Level | Definition |
|---|---|
| Not Permitted | GenAI use not permitted GenAI is explicitly prohibited for the course or assignment |
| Some Allowed | Some types of GenAI use allowed GenAI is permitted for specific tasks; faculty must provide explicit guidance and documentation requirements. |
| With Attribution* | GenAI use allowed with attribution* GenAI is allowed with comprehensive documentation* per faculty guidelines. |
| Expected | GenAI use expected Students are expected and encouraged to use GenAI tools extensively; emphasis shifts to demonstrating effective utilization. |
*When GenAI usage is permitted, faculty must provide clear guidelines about required documentation for attribution. GenAI use must follow academic integrity standards.
Policy Compliance
Adherence to the specified GenAI usage level and attribution guidelines for each course or assignment is mandatory. Violations will be addressed according to the university's academic misconduct procedures.
Responsibilities
The effective and responsible use of GenAI is a shared responsibility across the University community.
Students
Students are responsible for understanding that different courses will have different approaches to GenAI use, and for adhering to the permissible usage levels and attribution guidelines for each course. When in doubt, students should assume GenAI use is not permitted and consult with their professor.
Faculty
Faculty are responsible for establishing GenAI guidelines in their courses, clearly articulating permissible usage levels and attribution requirements in their syllabi. Faculty should encourage students to ask questions when uncertain about GenAI use.
The CTSE offers resources and programming, including individual consultations, to support faculty in implementing GenAI guidelines in their courses, but also to support the integration of AI into their teaching. The Moakley Law Library also provides resources in their Law Faculty Guide to Artificial Intelligence. SBS AI Policy can be found on MySuffolk.
Additional resources for community members
Suffolk community members can consult AI-related job aids on MySuffolk. For example, how to utilize AI functions on Zoom and Microsoft Teams; Acceptable Use Policy.
Questions?
Contact the Provost's Office for questions about the Shared AI in the Classroom Policy or reach out to an Advisory Committee co-chair with any other questions you may have regarding AI at Suffolk.