AI Policies & Guidance
Plain-language rules for using AI at the University of Minnesota — whether you’re a student, instructor, or staff member.
Know your data
Protecting University data starts with one rule: only put it into tools licensed to handle it. Check the cards below to see which tools are allowed for handling which types of data. Specific departments may have their own restrictions, so students are encouraged to check with their instructors first.
Google Gemini
UMN Licensed
- Public Data Allowed
- Private-Restricted Data Allowed
- Private-Highly Restricted Data Acceptable Use — conditions apply
- Health Information Acceptable Use — conditions apply
Microsoft Copilot
UMN Licensed
- Public Data Allowed
- Private-Restricted Data Allowed
- Private-Highly Restricted Data Never
- Health Information Never
Gemini Notebook
UMN Licensed
- Public Data Allowed
- Private-Restricted Data Allowed
- Private-Highly Restricted Data Never
- Health Information Never
ZoomMate
UMN Licensed
- Public Data Allowed
- Private-Restricted Data Acceptable Use — conditions apply
- Private-Highly Restricted Data Never
- Health Information Never
ChatGPT EDU
UMN Licensed
- Public Data Allowed
- Private-Restricted Data Allowed
- Private-Highly Restricted Data Never
- Health Information Never
Know what's expected of you
Beyond data rules, your role carries its own specific obligations.
Students
Your instructor’s policy comes first. Just because a tool is allowed at the U doesn’t mean it’s allowed in your course — rules can vary by class, and even by assignment. When in doubt, ask before you use it.
Don’t upload licensed materials
Publishers prohibit uploading licensed materials like research articles, news content, and course readings. Only upload others’ work with explicit permission.
Staff & Admin
Consult your manager about considerations specific to your work. Managers may restrict use based on data security, confidentiality, intellectual property, or compliance requirements in your unit.
Clickwrap agreements are contracts
Clicking “I agree” binds the University, not just you. Only someone with delegated authority can accept a tool’s terms. Send them to the Office of General Counsel for review first.
Faculty & Researchers
Know your funder’s rules, not just the University’s. Granting and research agencies set their own AI disclosure and usage requirements, which apply on top of UMN policy.
AI-generated code needs review
Before running AI-generated code in institutional IT systems, it must be reviewed by technologists with appropriate skills. All output should be verified by a human before use.
Teaching, integrity & the classroom
The questions students and instructors ask most, answered plainly.
Is using AI on coursework considered cheating?
It comes down to your instructor's stated policy — that's what matters most. A tool being available doesn't mean it's allowed for every assignment or class; policies vary by instructor. If your syllabus doesn't mention AI, ask before you use it. Unauthorized AI use is treated the same as any other unauthorized assistance under the Student Conduct Code.
How should students disclose AI assistance?
Check your instructor's policy first — most ask for a short statement on where and how you used AI. No policy in your syllabus? Ask before you submit.
Should I include an AI policy in my syllabus?
Yes, even if that position is "not permitted." The example syllabus statements in the Guidance Library can help you write yours.
Can I upload course readings or articles into an AI tool?
Generally, no. Publishers prohibit uploading copyrighted readings and articles into AI tools. Only upload material to a tool if you have permission to do so, or if it falls under a known exemption. When in doubt consult your instructor.
Guidance library
Every major UMN guidance source, boiled down to what you actually need to know.
- Appropriate use of generative AI tools What appropriate generative AI use looks like at the U, plus the specific tools OIT has reviewed and approved for University data.
- Example syllabus statements Senate-developed syllabus language for every stance on AI, and the basis for the statements our Policy Builder generates for you.
- GenAI research guide & citation formats How LLMs work, where their limits and ethical risks lie, and how to cite AI output in every major style guide.
- Teaching with generative AI Per-tool instructor guides for Gemini, NotebookLM, Zoom AI, and Copilot, plus assignment design-strategies for handling AI and the GenAI+U instructor course.
- GenAI+U learning experiences AI literacy courses hosted by AI Hub. Linked with our AI training tracks.
- Ethics guidance Apply the University’s five ethical decision-making values to AI use: labor, bias, privacy, copyright, and environmental impact.