Commercially available generative AI tools provide powerful ways to support administrative work and improve efficiency. However, their use must align with university policies and uphold standards for privacy, accuracy, and ethical conduct. This resource outlines guidelines for campus community use of generative AI tools and links to relevant University of Puget Sound policies.

Data Confidentiality

Users must not input confidential, sensitive, or personally identifiable information (PII) into generative AI tools unless the tool has been formally reviewed and approved through university processes. This includes student records, personnel files, health data, financial information, and unpublished research.

The Data Classification Policy defines three data categories:

  • Unrestricted: Publicly available and appropriate for open sharing.
  • Controlled: Internal-use data that must be protected from external disclosure.
  • Confidential: Highly sensitive data, including both regulated (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA) and unregulated data requiring strong protection.

The Data Protection Procedures further outline the safeguards required for each classification level. All Data Users are responsible for ensuring they understand and comply with these requirements when using AI tools.

Relevant Policies
Education Records Policy
Information Use & Security Policy
Email, Voice Mail & Network Access Policy
Code of Conduct

University AI Tools

This information refers to use of these tools only when logged in through your university account.

Tool Best For What You Can Do Notes & Access Data Classification Types Allowed
Google Gemini

Class activities or assignments requiring AI use (ensures greater equity and privacy)

Drafting, rewriting, summarizing, brainstorming, where permitted

Draft emails, reports, meeting notes

Rewrite content for clarity or tone

Summarize long documents

Generate ideas for projects, events, or FAQs
 

The Gemini App is available at gemini.google.com

The Gemini App through your university account offers enterprise-grade data protections that support compliance with FERPA, but users should use caution in sharing sensitive or confidential data with Gemini

Be aware of the Google Workspace for Education Privacy Notice

Unrestricted

Controlled

NotebookLM Creating AI resources that draw on documents Upload documents (PDFs, Google Docs, websites, YouTube videos) to create a personalized knowledge base NotebookLM is available at notebooklm.google.com

Unrestricted

Controlled

Canvas AI Tools (IgniteAI Search, IgniteAI Summaries) Create Quick Overviews of Discussion Threads and working more efficiently in Canvas

Search For Course Content Quickly

Summarize Canvas Discussions

These features can be enabled in the specific Canvas course settings

Unrestricted

Controlled

Zoom AI Companion
(available soon)
Meeting summaries, transcripts, and follow-ups

Create live or post-meeting summaries

Generate action items or key takeaways

Transcribe meetings and highlight key points
 

Features can be enabled in Zoom settings (only available with a Zoom Pro license)

Disclose use in meetings out of courtesy and transparency

Unrestricted

Controlled

Canva + Magic Write
(available soon)
Event flyers, visuals, captions, newsletters

Generate text for posters, social media, or newsletters

Create slides with AI-generated layouts

Brainstorm taglines or content ideas
 

Available in Canva Docs, Whiteboards, Presentations

Use in combination with university branding/templates

Be sure to add institution-specific details
 

Unrestricted

Non-University AI Tools

This information refers to use of publicly available tools that the university does not have an institutional license for. These may include tools you can access for free or with a paid subscription.

Tool Best For What You Can Do Notes & Access Data Classification Types Allowed
Publicly Available AI Tools Personal use and experimentation Explore AI tools without use of any controlled or confidential data

Avoid inputting any sensitive or confidential data

Avoid medium and high-risk use cases

Unrestricted