Welcome to AI at KU

Over the past year, the University of Kansas AI Taskforce, facilitated by the Office of Audit, Risk & Compliance, has worked diligently to explore the responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) across campus. This cross-functional group of 17 members from various University units came together to develop a set of guiding principles and launched this website to inform, support and empower the KU community in navigating GenAI tools.

This GenAI website provides practical insights, policy alignment and ethical considerations for using GenAI in academic, administrative and research settings. The taskforce’s work reflects KU’s commitment to innovation, integrity and excellence.

Guiding Principles for GenAI Use at KU:

  • Human Centered — Users retain agency and judgement over GenAI outputs, with safeguards to mitigate harm.
  • Value Alignment — The use of GenAI tools should align with the values of the University of Kansas.
  • Equitable — The potential for bias in a GenAI tools should be assessed and efforts should be made to mitigate it. Users should not rely on any output that indicates bias.
  • Privacy, Security and Safety — GenAI tools should be used in accordance with applicable data protection laws and existing University policy. This includes but is not limited to student data protected by FERPA, medical data protected by HIPAA, and data protected by the GDPR.
  • Accountability — Users should report issues they encounter with a GenAI tool. Users should also evaluate and verify for accuracy the information generated by a GenAI tool.
  • Transparency — GenAI Tools should operate and be used in a manner that is open, understandable and accountable to all individuals.
  • Validity — There should be evidence that an AI system can perform the task for which it is designed. Rigorous scientific methods should be used during the development of the system. The AI system should be tested throughout its life to ensure the benefits that accrue from its use outweigh any risks or potential harms.

Please note: Microsoft Co-pilot is the only AI tool approved for use with sensitive personal identifying information or University business information. You must be logged into your KU Microsoft account when using Co-pilot.

This initiative marks a significant step in shaping KU’s future with thoughtful, ethical, and community-driven AI practices. Explore this new KU GenAI website to explore resources, learn best practices, and discover how you can engage with GenAI responsibly. 

Questions? Contact us at ai_taskforce@ku.edu.