Weekly Feed—November 4, 2024

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Guidelines for AI Use at KSU

Engage with generative AI thoughtfully: Communicate clearly using conversational language, and never share confidential information or protected research. To safeguard data when using AI, use Microsoft Copilot when logged in with your KSUmail address and password. 

Below, please find general guidelines and guidance for faculty. For more information, including guidance for students, check out this resource

Remember: UITS is here for you! Please contact the KSU IT Service Desk if you have questions or concerns. 

General Guidelines

  1. Ethical Use: Always use AI in ways that uphold KSU’s values and ethical standards. Avoid using AI to mislead, deceive, or compromise academic integrity, privacy, or security. 
  2. Secure Use: Be mindful of information you share with AI, and never share sensitive information, such as university business, personal details, proprietary research, or any data protected by law.
  3. Transparency: Be transparent about the use of AI in academic and administrative contexts. Clearly communicate when AI is being utilized, especially in coursework or decision-making processes that impact students, faculty, or staff. 
  4. Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy of others when using AI tools. Ensure that the use of AI complies with KSU’s privacy policies and relevant laws, safeguarding personal and sensitive information. 
  5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Use AI to support inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the KSU community. Ensure that AI tools are designed and used in ways that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. 
  6. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about AI advancements and their implications. Engage in training and educational opportunities provided by KSU to understand how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. 
  7. Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate and share feedback on AI tools and practices. Your input helps us continuously improve how AI is integrated at KSU, ensuring it meets the needs of our diverse community.
  8. Accountability: Take responsibility for the use of AI in your work or studies. It's essential to take ownership of how we use AI, ensuring that AI is applied ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with best practices. 

Guidance for Faculty

Faculty wanting to use Artificial Intelligence to improve productivity in grading, writing, and research should be cautious entering student data or intellectual property into these systems. To ensure data security and FERPA compliance, faculty should use Microsoft Copilot once signed in using their KSU Microsoft credentials (NetID). To be sure you are using the protected enterprise version of this chat look for this statement above the chat box in green: Your personal and company data are protected in this chat. To log in, visit copilot.microsoft.com. AI is advancing very quickly, and this guidance is likely to change with future advances. If you have questions, submit a DLI service ticket for assistance. 

—Office of the Provost, January 2024 

KSU Digital Learning Innovations (DLI) provides resources on faculty use of AI, including suggested AI policy language for syllabi.


This Week's Technology Workshops

Explore our technology workshops! Each semester, UITS offers a variety of sessions to help you make the most of our tech tools—take a look at this week's offerings below.

Need personalized support? We’re here for one-on-one or group training, too. Just let us know, and we'll be happy to set it up!

Excel: Getting Started With Excel

Monday, Nov. 4, 10–11 a.m.—Register in OwlTrain

In this beginner Excel workshop, participants will learn the basics of formatting, tables, and get comfortable using essential Excel tools.

Excel: Formulas & Functions

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10–11 a.m.—Register in OwlTrain

In this supplemental beginner Excel workshop, users will learn how to use basic formulas using functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, LEFT, RIGHT, and COUNT.

Excel: Tables, Charts, & Pivot Tables

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.—Register in OwlTrain

Unlock the full potential of Excel for dynamic data presentation and analysis. Learn to format tables, create column, pie, and line charts, and utilize pivot tables and charts. Join this workshop to master the art of analyzing large datasets effectively.

Excel: Finding Data in Tables

Thursday, Nov. 7, 10–11 a.m.—Register in OwlTrain

Master the art of data retrieval in Excel with VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, and INDEX/MATCH functions. This workshop is designed for those who have a basic understanding of Excel and are ready to delve deeper into its powerful data-finding capabilities.

AI at KSU: Getting Started With Microsoft Copilot

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2–3 p.m.—Register in OwlTrain

Join us for an engaging workshop delving into the exciting world of Microsoft Copilot, a powerful AI (artificial intelligence) tool that can generate text, images, and summaries. Learn best practices for using Copilot securely to protect your data as you ask Copilot to answer questions, generate creative content, and even proofread your writing. Whether you’re looking to write a compelling story, create a unique image, or simply make your day-to-day tasks easier, this workshop will help you master AI at KSU!

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