Artificial Intelligence at Tulane University

Tulane University recognizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshape the educational and research landscape. As AI continues to influence all aspects of our modern world, it is paramount that we reap its benefits while preserving the intellectual integrity and human-centered model of our university.

Institutional Investment & Initiatives

Connolly Alexander Institute for Data Science: An initiative to position Tulane as a leader in data research and pedagogy. It aims to enhance data literacy across all disciplines, preparing students for future careers and providing resources for faculty and staff.

Jurist Center for Artificial Intelligence: The establishment of the Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence and the Jurist Center for Artificial Intelligence showcases Tulane's commitment to being a leader in AI research and application.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments in cross-disciplinary upgrades will support various university operations, including research, education management, operations and administration.

Cross-campus Working Groups: We are assembling experts in intellectual property, data privacy, and security to determine how AI can be applied across disciplines with the goal of providing clarity and structure for creating guidelines.

AI Committees: To further guide the integration of artificial intelligence into the academic work at Tulane University the provost established two committees to learn more about the current campus environment and the needs and interests of the faculty. Read their key recommendations.

Guidelines for the Ethical and Responsible Use of AI

It is important to note that the major questions about the use of AI by our students are already covered in our academic integrity policies.

Using AI, especially externally sourced models, can raise concerns about accuracy, potential biases, and privacy. Prior to employing such tools, students, faculty and staff should consult with the necessary bodies to ensure safe and appropriate usage.

 

All members of Tulane University have a responsibility to protect university data from unauthorized access or disclosure. Consistent with Tulane’s data governance, data management, and data classification policies, data classified as Level 2- Internal, Level 3-Confidential Data, or Level 4- Restricted should not be entered into publicly available generative AI tools. Information shared with generative AI tools using default settings is not private and could result in unauthorized access or disclosure of university proprietary, confidential or restricted data.

Appropriate privacy and security considerations must be applied to all technology solutions used by Tulane University. Any procured generative AI tools or systems utilizing generative AI tools require a security and risk review by the Tulane Information Security Office.

If you have questions about AI technology, assessing appropriate data classification levels, or the review process, please contact ciso@tulane.edu.

Please refer to university Data Policies for additional information:

Data Classification - new policy 2023

Data Governance - new policy 2023

Exploring AI's Educational Potential: An Approach for Faculty and Instructors

Promote Exploration: Rather than restricting AI, faculty are encouraged to explore its potential. Experimenting with AI can help identify which projects can be effectively handled and which cannot. Strategies include requiring students to incorporate personal experiences, cite sources accurately, or compare diverse ideas.

Engage the Community: Everyone – from students and faculty to staff – should actively engage as we integrate AI into our educational and administrative processes.

Foster Transparency: Each instructor has the option of putting in place guidelines that make the most sense for their specific course or project, but instructions must be clear and precise. Should the use of AI be permitted, students should be encouraged to describe how AI tools were used.

There will be on-going efforts to enhance and revise our policies, accompanied by consistent communication to address evolving needs and changing technology.

If you have questions about using Artificial Intelligence tools in your teaching or classroom, please contact celt@tulane.edu.

Students sit in a computer lab on campus and study.

Resources

Stay Updated: This site has been established to share the latest advancements in AI advancements and implications for the university. It will be consistently updated to reflect the dynamic landscape of Artificial Intelligence, as well as to showcase the university's active involvement in integrating and influencing the progress of AI.

Workshops & Training: Through CELT and other channels, the university will introduce workshops to help the community understand and harness the potential uses of AI.