Generative AI can learn from existing artifacts to generate new, realistic artifacts (at scale) that reflect the characteristics of training data without repeating it. Many generative AI tools can produce novel content such as images, video, music, speech, text, software code, and product designs.
Like many technologies that have emerged throughout history, generative AI has enormous potential to aid worthwhile human endeavors if used constructively and ethically. But recent advances in generative AI technology have also raised legitimate concerns about how to forestall potential misuse of these tools.
While Indiana University encourages members of the university community to explore generative AI technology, experiment with it, and contemplate possible applications for it that will help to advance the institution’s teaching, research, and service missions, the University also recognizes the need to establish thoughtfully crafted policies and practices governing acceptable use of these tools.
The University Faculty Council of Indiana University, working in cooperation with the Office of the President, therefore resolves to establish a Generative AI Task Force charged with collecting whatever information is necessary to support rigorous consideration of the following questions:
What general principles should govern the crafting of policy and guidance related to generative AI as the technology continues to evolve?
What guidance should faculty, staff, administrators, and students receive regarding the acceptable use of generative AI in the context of IU-related activities and work?
What formal policies, if any, may need to be altered or newly adopted to ensure that generative AI is used in connection with IU-related activities and work in a constructive, ethical manner?
When and how should artifacts produced using generative AI, in connection with IU-related activities and work, be clearly identified, and how should such AI-generated artifacts be cited?
To what extent are artifacts produced using generative AI, or the fact that generative AI has been used to produce artifacts, subject to the terms of Public Records Act, and what policies and practices might be required to ensure that Indiana University remains in compliance that act along these lines?
What opportunities exist to use generative AI in constructive and ethical ways to advance the teaching, research, and service missions of the institution? How might generative AI be used to improve the conditions of work at Indiana University?
The University Faculty Council requests a final report from the Task Force addressing these questions and any others the task force’s members decide merit consideration in the context of their work no later than March 1, 2024.
Indiana University Generative Artificial Intelligence Task Force Report