ITS AI Guide

Is there a New York State Policy on the use of AI?

New York State has an Information Technology Policy on the Acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies. Right now, the understanding is that this does not apply to SUNY. 

What does SUNY recommend on the use of AI?

The SUNY Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2) convened a task group on optimizing AI for Teaching and Learning. In May 2024, the group developed a guide to optimizing AI in higher education. 

Will Fredonia develop an AI Policy?

This guide will be updated to include guidance from Fredonia on the use of AI, and a link to a policy if one is developed.

What AI Software does Fredonia have?

Does Fredonia have access to Gemini through Google Workspace?

Yes! Fredonia does have access to Google Gemini in our Google Workspace. 

What does Fredonia have access to (if any) relative Microsoft AI Copilot with our A5 Licensing?

We have access to Copilot with Commercial Data Protection which is designed to ensure that both user and organizational data are protected. This means that prompts and responses are not saved, Microsoft has no eyes-on access, and chat data is not used to train the underlying large language models. Additionally, Copilot with commercial data protection supports file upload and data analysis capabilities, allowing users to upload files of various types and perform advanced file analysis and data visualization. When an eligible user signs in with their work or school account (Entra ID), Copilot automatically adds commercial data protection. This protection is compliant with existing privacy, security, and compliance commitments to Microsoft 365 commercial customers, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and European Union (EU) Data Boundary. There is a Microsoft Knowledge Base article on data, privacy, and security for Microsoft 365 CoPilot with more details.  

Does A5 licensing include Microsoft Purview?

A5 does include Microsoft Purview.  This license provides comprehensive solutions to help govern, protect, and manage your data estate. It includes features such as Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention, Insider Risk Management, and more. Microsoft Purview plays a crucial role in helping customers navigate the era of AI by providing comprehensive data governance, security, and compliance solutions. Here are some key ways Microsoft Purview assists customers: Microsoft Purview helps strengthen data security in AI environments by providing tools to handle challenges posed by AI technology. It offers a unified data governance solution that helps manage and govern data across on-premises, multicloud, and software as a service (SaaS) environments. This includes automated data discovery, sensitive data classification, and end-to-end data lineage, enabling organizations to create a holistic, up-to-date map of their data landscape. Additionally, Microsoft Purview helps secure data in the era of AI by addressing concerns about sensitive data leaks and risky AI use, ensuring that data is protected while enabling meaningful innovation, automation, and productivity.

What are the costs for premium use of Copilot with the new SUNY contract?

M365 Copilot is about $30 per user per month. The exact price would come from a reseller.

Are there trial licenses available for M365 Copilot?

Unfortunately, we do not have trial licenses for M365 Copilot. What most campuses are doing is purchasing a select number of M365 Copilot licenses for evaluation or an early adopter trial before they roll it out more broadly.

Who would benefit from a premium CoPilot license?

In Higher Education there is a trend where Colleges and Universities are buying M365 Copilot for key knowledge workers, departments, and leadership.

Does Microsoft offer any opportunities for learning credits and training?

We have access to Microsoft Learn which is a no charge service with self-paced learning and certification pathways. Microsoft can also work with us on workshops and promptathons. Microsoft has had discussions with SUNY Professional Development to work together on a Copilot Training to benefit all of the SUNY campuses.

What other AI Software is being considered for procurement and wide use at Fredonia?

The Fredonia AI Community or Practice will help to identify other AI Software that should be considered.

Will there be a SUNY Wide procurement of AI Tools?

The SUNY University Faculty Senate approved a resolution 197-01-1: AI Tools for Research requesting that the Chancellor provides various AI tools to faculty and staff for teaching and research; to educate students about the ethical and acceptable use of AI tools in education, research, scholarly and creative activity, and practice; and to create a SUNY-wide forum where faculty and staff can discuss academic integrity regulations and ask questions regarding AI tools for various uses.

Another FACT2 Task Group on AI has been created and that group will look at AI Assistive Technologies with the hopes of doing some pilots this year.

Can I use my Fredonia Google ID to log into free AI Services, like ChatGPT?

The use of Fredonia Google IDs to access free AI Services must be submitted through the Technology Request Process.

Click-through agreements and End User License Agreements (EULA’s) contain contract terms and all contracts require signature by a state employee who is authorized to sign contracts (specifically limited to those listed in the campus formal designation document filed with OSC). The campuses have a very limited number of authorized signatories (faculty are not authorized). 

Does ITS need to review AI software before the University buys or uses free AI software?

All new and existing software, online subscriptions, licensing, multi-year contracts/agreements, and hardware (technology) requests must be submitted through the Technology Request Process.

Is there a way I can test AI software before deciding if I want to submit a TRP?

AI software cannot be tested with your Fredonia Google ID or on a university owned computer without going through the Technology Request Process.

Any testing of AI software that does not go through the Technology Request Process must be done with the use of personal accounts on personal computers and devices. 

Can I upload data from Fredonia into my personal AI service for analysis?

Only public data can be shared. Please view the Data Risk Classification Policy for more information.

Can I upload data from Fredonia into a Fredonia provided AI service for analysis?

SUNY Fredonia’s instance of Microsoft Copilot can be used for public and private data. 

Is there a group at Fredonia that I can join to learn more about AI?

Fredonia has an AI community of practice that is open for faculty and staff to join. In-person meetings take place and there is a Google Group that can be used for discussion and questions. The AI community of practice will recommend AI software for procurement. 

Are there training sessions that Fredonia will provide on AI?

Training sessions on AI will be provided through the Innovation Lab training program. 

Are there any other Fredonia resources on AI?

Reed Library has a website on AI.