Generative Artificial Intelligence: Guidelines at USask

In January 2024, the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic established an interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Taskforce to develop comprehensive principles on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at USask along with guidelines aligned with the core areas of research, teaching and learning, and administration. 

The university’s provisional principles and guidelines were released in August, 2024.

For further information about the taskforce and its work, see the Office of the Vice-President Academic's Artificial Intelligence Taskforce Terms of Reference, or follow the office's taskforce page for updates.

The provisional Artificial Intelligence Principles (2024) provide descriptions of USask intentions for, and beliefs about, the use of AI. They include 4 categories:

• Ethical and Responsible Use
• Literacy
• Tool Use
• Change and Innovation

The provisional Artificial Intelligence Guidelines (2024) suggest ways the principles might be applied in four common roles at USask—Educators, Students, Researchers, and Administrators—along with resources and support for their implementation.

The guidelines for educators emphasize ethical use, AI literacy, and the need to adapt instruction and assessment in response to GenAI. Educators are encouraged to clearly define what is permissible regarding the use of GenAI in their courses and are advised to consider how their assessments might be adapted to incorporate or limit the use of GenAI. Educators should promote the ethical use of AI tools by ensuring that students understand the limitations and biases of these technologies. They should also provide guidance on proper citation and acknowledgment practices when using AI-generated content.

For more detailed information, visit USask's AI Guidelines for Educators.

The guidelines for students emphasize AI literacy, responsible use, and privacy. Students are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification if they are unsure about the expectations. The university emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use, including proper attribution when using AI tools and understanding the risks associated with AI use, such as producing inaccurate or biased content. The university has not implemented a blanket ban on AI tools but instead promotes informed and responsible use.

For more detailed information, visit USask's AI Guidelines for Students

The guidelines for researchers using AI emphasize accountability, accuracy, and transparency. Researchers must ensure the integrity of their work, be aware of AI biases and inaccuracies, and protect confidential information. Researchers are urged to consider the security of AI tools and to be transparent about AI use throughout their research. Familiarity with AI's fundamentals and its ethical implications is crucial. Each department should adapt these guidelines to their specific disciplines.

For more detailed information, visit USask's AI Guidelines for Researchers.

The administrative guidelines emphasize ethical and responsible use in decision-making, including promoting equity, transparency, and intellectual property protection. Administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with AI, use it task-specifically, and stay current with developments. Managers should guide staff on AI use, set clear expectations, and ensure consistency. Approved AI tools are preferred, with unapproved tools requiring ICT consultation. Careful consideration of AI's implications is essential before use.

For more information, visit the USask AI Guidelines for Administrators.