Artificial Intelligence at UMD

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative AI is an emerging technology that has transformed the academic landscape in positive and negative ways. The University of Minnesota community is continuously exploring emerging patterns, technologies, and policies to improve the teaching and learning of our student community.

Requests for workshops and consultations on Generative AI can be sent to [email protected]

General rules for AI Use

  1. UMD created a Generative AI Tools policy for course work, effective Fall 2024. The policy, which was drafted by faculty, staff, and students, completed the campus policy review process during spring 2024.
  2. Individuals interested in Generative Ai should explore the Center for Educational Innovation's list focusing on creating assignments and advising students in using AI tools.
  3. All Faculty should add specific language to their courses that indicates if and when AI use is appropriate for assignments. The Center for Educational Innovation at UMN provides example language based on recommendation from the Board of Regents. Faculty may also use language approved by their departments, or colleges.
  4. The University Of Minnesota does not subscribe to an AI Detection Tool. Research has shown that vendor claims about accuracy are limited, and too many false positives are generated by such tools.  Faculty with concerns about academic integrity on written assignments should follow the steps provided by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
  5. As of August 2024, the University of Minnesota does not provide free access to robust Generative AI products, such as ChatGPT 4.0, due to privacy and intellectual property concerns. There are efforts and pilot programs in progress.

Join the AI Community of Practice

ITSS Academic Technology sponsors and supports the UMN AI Community of Practice Google Group (AI-COP). This is a UMN System Wide group and is open to anyone who is curious about the intersection between AI and ethics, academics, business, labor, technology, learning, and everything else in-between.

Fall 2024 AI-COP Events

  • Starting in Fall 2024, the group will host a series of short talks on emerging topics, innovations, and teaching strategies. Meetings will be on the second Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. Dates are September 11, October 9, November 13, and December 11. Formal invitations and links will be published in August.
  • A Fall 2024 Book Club is reading "Teaching with AI: Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning" by Bowen and Watson. Register today at Training.umn.edu This will be a low-stakes reading and discussion of the 3 sections of the title:
    • September 25 from 1-2 p.m.: Part I - Thinking with AI
    • October 16 from 1-2 p.m.:  Part II - Teaching with AI
    • November 6 from 1-2 p.m.:  Part III - Learning with AI

Additional AI Resources