UC Davis & Generative AI: Initial Guidance

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies permeate higher education, UC Davis is actively engaged in a broad institutional review and analysis of these tools to address issues related to information security and data privacy, compliance, copyright, and academic integrity, among others. 

We encourage members of the campus community to experiment with AI tools responsibly and adhere to the the guidelines below. Our guidance is subject to change as new tools, platforms, and information become available.  

Connect with Your IT Support Team or IET Before Procuring Generative AI Tools 

Some GenAI tools are built-in the platforms and services we use at UC Davis. The university is striving to ensure that any tools procured on behalf of the university have the appropriate privacy and security controls and provide the best use of campus resources. 

• Vendor Risk Assessments are necessary for GenAI tools purchased for university use. Click here to access the VRA request form.

Protect Sensitive Data 

Do not use GenAI tools with sensitive UC Davis systems and data. Do not provide any text or other inputs to large language models or generative AI that might contain sensitive data, including identified or de-identified student information, personnel data, personnel conduct information, patient data, confidential financial data, confidential research information, or otherwise sensitive university information. 

Learn more about data classification at UC Davis 

Follow the UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct

Review the Code of Academic Conduct for specific guidance on creating and upholding honest and secure learning environments at UC Davis as well as issues related to honesty, fairness, and integrity. We strongly recommend that you:  

• Review and verify any AI-generated content that you publish or share with others. Some GenAI output can be inaccurate or misleading. Always verify the accuracy of AI-generated output.

• Consider copyright issues: AI-generated content can contain copyrighted material. You are responsible for any AI-generated content that you publish or make available to others. 

Consider AI tool-Specific Usage Policies 

Open AI's usage policies disallow the use of its products for many other specific activities. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Illegal activity 

• Generation of hateful, harassing, or violent content 

• Generation of malware 

• Activity that has a high risk of economic harm 

• Fraudulent or deceptive activity 

• Activity that violates people’s privacy 

• Telling someone that they have or do not have a certain health condition, or providing instructions on how to cure or treat a health condition 

• High-risk government decision-making 

Beware of Phishing 

Generative AI has made it easier to create more sophisticated phishing scams (for example, videos or audio intended to mimic a person’s voice or physical appearance without their consent). Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to phishing scams and report suspicious messages to cybersecurity@ucdavis.edu 

Content on this website is subject to change as AI tools continue to develop. Page last updated December 11, 2023.