Academic Affairs

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Artificial Intelligence

at Portland State University

Artificial Intelligence at Portland State University

Portland State University’s AI Working Group embraces responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool to enhance teaching, learning, and research. We view AI not as a replacement for human intellect, but as a catalyst for innovation that requires thoughtful, human-centered oversight.

PSU’S AI PHILOSOPHY & PRINCIPLES

Our approach is informed by PSU’s mission and values and framed by the following guiding principles:

Human-Centered Collaboration

Learning is a social process. While AI can streamline tasks and offer creative inputs, the interpersonal connection between students and educators remains irreplaceable. We prioritize "Human-in-the-Loop" practices where critical evaluations, final decisions, and ethical judgments are made by people, not algorithms.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Consistent with PSU's values, we are dedicated to ensuring that AI adoption does not widen the digital divide. We strive to provide equitable access to tools and critically evaluate AI systems for biases. Our goal is to use AI as a tool that fosters inclusion, reducing barriers to access and support.

Empowerment through AI Literacy

We believe that navigating an AI-augmented world is a critical 21st-century skill. PSU is committed to fostering AI literacy across the institution, empowering students, faculty, and staff to understand the capabilities, appropriate applications, limitations, and ethical implications of these technologies.

Academic Freedom and Discretion

In alignment with the principles of academic freedom, faculty have the autonomy to determine if and how AI tools are integrated into their teaching and research. We encourage a culture of experimentation and exploration of ways AI can improve learning and student success rather than one of restriction.

Transparency and Trust

Trust is built on openness. We expect transparency from all members of our community regarding the use of AI in academic and professional work. This includes acknowledging AI's role in the generative process and being forthcoming about how these tools are utilized in administrative decision-making.

Shared Responsibility for Integrity

Responsible AI use is a collective effort. Every member of the PSU community is responsible for the integrity of their final work. While AI may assist in the process, the individual remains accountable for the accuracy, attribution, and ethical impact of their output.

STUDENT LEARNING & AI

Portland State University understands that artificial intelligence (AI) brings both opportunities and risks to student learning. Expectations for the acceptable use of AI in a course are determined by the instructor and may differ from class to class. Students should check with their instructors and read the syllabi to learn to what extent AI tools can be used in their coursework. The resources below can help students understand how to use  AI responsibly and in line with PSU’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity in an ever-changing digital world.

student at a computer

STUDENT CONDUCT GUIDELINES →

PSU upholds academic integrity and expects students to use AI tools responsibly and ethically. This resource provides clear guidelines on PSU’s standards for respectful behavior and academic honesty, helping students understand the boundaries of AI usage in their academic work.

students reading a syllabus

AI ETHICAL USE GUIDELINES →

Designed to support ethical AI use in learning, these guidelines help PSU students navigate AI’s potential and limitations. This resource emphasizes fair and responsible practices, ensuring AI aligns with PSU’s values of integrity, equity, and respect for privacy.

chatgpt on a phone

CITING GENERATIVE AI →

Navigating AI-generated content responsibly includes understanding how to properly cite these tools in academic work. The PSU Library offers guidance on citation styles for generative AI, helping students avoid plagiarism and credit sources accurately.

faculty discussing research

AI RESEARCH GUIDELINES →

Review our detailed AI research guidelines to support innovative AI research practices at Portland State University. This guide provides an overview of best practices for integrating AI in research, emphasizing transparency, privacy, and the importance of professional integrity.

students working together on a project

AI TOOLS QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE STUDENT SUPPORT DESK →

Need help with AI tools? The OIT Student Help Desk is here to support you with technical issues and troubleshooting for AI-related resources. 

Phone with AI apps

SECURITY ADVICE FOR USING AI TOOLS →

AI tools come with specific security considerations. This resource offers guidance on protecting personal data when using AI applications like ChatGPT, Copilot, and others. Learn best practices for secure AI usage to help protect your privacy and data.

Teaching & AI

The Office of Academic Innovation offers AI teaching resources and support consultations to all educators at PSU. Explore the resources below for examples of how generative AI can be a powerful tool for designing courses and faculty/student collaboration. Professional development opportunities for faculty include the InnovAIte Academy and the ThriveAI Canvas Course.

Don’t hesitate to contact OAI for support with your teaching, and look for an array of faculty workshops each term!

faculty teaching

TEACHING WITH AI GUIDELINES →

PSU provides comprehensive guidelines for faculty on integrating AI responsibly into teaching. This resource offers practical advice on ethical AI use in the classroom, helping faculty make informed decisions on enhancing learning outcomes while addressing potential risks and inequities.

teaching with ai

GENERATIVE AI FOR TEACHING - PSU GUIDE →

This guide equips faculty with insights and resources for using AI tools in course design and collaboration. Featuring information on evolving Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, it supports educators in understanding and integrating these technologies responsibly, with regular updates to keep pace with AI advancements.

students working together

AI SYLLABUS LANGUAGE →

Setting clear expectations on AI usage is essential. This sample syllabus language helps faculty communicate AI policies effectively, ensuring students understand when and how they may use AI in assignments and assessments. This resource promotes transparency and prepares students to engage responsibly with AI.

students using ai tools and talking

AI ETHICAL USE GUIDELINES →

Designed to support ethical AI use in teaching and research, these guidelines help PSU faculty navigate AI’s potential and limitations. This resource emphasizes fair and responsible practices, ensuring AI aligns with PSU’s values of integrity, equity, and respect for privacy.

students working together

STUDENT CONDUCT & AI →

Contact PSU’s Student Affairs office for support and resources on how to handle student conduct questions or concerns related to AI use in the classroom.

faculty support meeting

GET AI TEACHING SUPPORT →

PSU’s Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) provides specialized support for faculty integrating AI into their teaching. Contact OAI for consultations, workshops, and personalized guidance.

 

Research & AI

For faculty and researchers, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies offers guidance on incorporating AI into research practices. These resources help ensure that AI’s potential is harnessed responsibly, with attention to ethical standards, data privacy, and academic rigor. PSU supports research that uses AI as a tool for innovation while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. Faculty can access support for navigating AI's complex role in research, from data management to transparency in research findings.

faculty discussing research

AI RESEARCH GUIDELINES →

Faculty and students involved in research at PSU are encouraged to explore AI’s potential while adhering to ethical standards. This guide provides an overview of best practices for integrating AI in research, emphasizing transparency, privacy, and the importance of professional integrity.

students reading a syllabus

AI ETHICAL USE GUIDELINES →

Designed to support ethical AI use in teaching and research, these guidelines help PSU faculty navigate AI’s potential and limitations. This resource emphasizes fair and responsible practices, ensuring AI aligns with PSU’s values of integrity, equity, and respect for privacy.

chatgpt on a phone

AI and Literature Reviews →

The PSU Library provides a select list of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools designed to assist the research and literature review process, including important information on the limitations and ethical use of AI.

USING AI TOOLS

PSU provides faculty, staff, and students with access to a suite of generative AI tools, including Google’s Gemini and NotebookLM products. When using or procuring AI tools, please be sure to follow PSU’s guidelines and policies, see below for more information.

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GENERATIVE AI TOOLS →

Learn more about some of the generative AI tools available to faculty, staff, and students at PSU.

ask ai questions

DATA SECURITY, PRIVACY, AND RESPONSIBLE USE →

It’s critical to be aware of data privacy, security, and responsible use when working with AI tools, learn more here.

Innovaite Academy

INNOVAITE ACADEMY →

Whether you're a teacher, researcher, or administrator, the InnovAIte academy provides opportunities to learn and collaborate around AI at PSU.

THE AI WORKING GROUP

PSU’s Office of Academic Affairs formed a Generative AI Task Force in the Summer of 2023 that transitioned to a Working Group in the Spring of 2024. The cross-functional working group is composed of representatives from across the university, including faculty, a representative of the Faculty Senate Educational Policy Committee, the offices of Academic Innovation and Information Technology, the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Research and Graduate Studies, the Library, and Student Affairs. This group is tasked with recommending AI guidance and tools for the PSU's community of faculty, staff, and students.

Michelle Giovannozzi
Chair & Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation

Ameeta Agrawal
Assistant Professor, Computer Science

Xan Arch
Dean, Portland State University Library

Jordan Banks
Director of Conduct and Conflict Resolution

Ryan Bass
Chief Information Officer

Kathi Inman Berens
Professor, English Department

Dawn Boatman
Assistant Vice President for Research Administration

Michael Bowman
Associate Dean, University Library

Michael Grieser
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

Elizabeth McMurtry
Project Manager

Justin Moore
Director, Technology Infrastructure

Banafsheh Rekabdar
Assistant Professor, Computer Science

Scott Robison
Associate Director, Digital Learning and Design

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about PSU’s approach to AI or need guidance on integrating AI into your academic work, teaching, or research, we’re here to help. PSU’s Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies are dedicated to supporting responsible and effective AI use across campus. Whether you're a student seeking advice on ethical AI usage, a faculty member exploring AI tools for your courses, or a researcher interested in AI's potential, PSU offers resources, workshops, and personalized support to address your needs. Please reach out to us through the contact links below, and let us know how we can assist you in navigating AI at PSU.

aiatpsu@pdx.edu
teaching

Ask AI teaching questions →

ai research conversation

Ask AI research questions →

faculty

Ask security & privacy questions →

students

Ask AI student conduct questions →

ai

Ask AI citation questions →