AI Policies & Governance

Suffolk University's approach to generative AI spans governance, classroom use, and school-specific policies.

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. 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
Information Technology Services
Contact Fouad
Micky Lee
CAS Dean's Office & CJN
Contact Micky

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.

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–learn more.

Questions?

Contact the Provost's Office or reach out to an Advisory Committee co-chair with any questions you may have regarding the AI Policy.