Ethical Considerations
At Tarleton State University, we are committed to advancing innovation in research, scholarship, and education. As we integrate AI into our academic and operational practices, its use must reflect our core values— excellence, integrity, and respect.
Data Privacy and Security
When using an AI tool or system, it is important to understand that these platforms may use, collect, and store your personal data, which could lead to privacy risks. When using generative AI, it is important to follow data privacy and security guidelines to protect both personal and institutional data.
- Tarleton State University Information Security Controls Catalog
- Texas A&M University System Data Classification Standard
- Texas A&M University System Privacy Policy
- The Provost’s Generative AI Task Force Full Report
Author’s Rights
Creators—whether students, faculty, or staff—retain ownership of their original works, along with the moral and legal rights that protect them. When using copyrighted materials to train or develop generative AI models, it is essential to uphold these rights. This includes obtaining proper permissions, giving appropriate credit, and ensuring that creative works are not used or reproduced without authorization. Respect for intellectual property is fundamental to academic integrity and innovation. Tarleton State is committed to fostering an environment where creators’ contributions are valued and protected.
Transparency
Transparency is essential in the creation and use of generative AI systems. It is important to disclose when and how AI tools are used in academic work, research, or university operations. This includes citing AI tools when used, and understanding the limitations, assumptions, and potential biases of AI-generated responses.
- TAMUS Regulation 29.01.05 Artificial Intelligence
- AI in Academia: Ethical Use and Practical Guidance
- TSU Center of Educational Excellence: AI Resources
Academic Integrity
To maintain academic integrity, users must acknowledge the use of nontrivial AI-generated content. This includes any instance where AI tools contribute meaningfully to the creation or refinement of academic work. For example, using AI to correct spelling and grammar is generally acceptable, but generating new content without disclosure may constitute plagiarism. This is no different than using another’s work and passing it off as your own. Faculty are encouraged to provide clear guidance on how AI tools may or may not be used in their courses, helping students navigate appropriate and ethical use.
Accountability
Students, faculty, and staff at Tarleton State University are responsible for the outcomes of any AI tools they choose to use. This includes carefully reviewing AI-generated content for accuracy, potential bias, and copyright compliance. Users must ensure that AI outputs meet academic and ethical standards before incorporating them into their work.
Compliance and Enforcement
Failure to comply with Tarleton State University’s policies on AI use may result in disciplinary action. This can include academic penalties, formal conduct proceedings, or loss of access to AI tools and services. Any suspected violations should be reported to the appropriate university authorities for review and response in accordance with institutional procedures.
Additional Resources
- University Compliance
- IEEE Ethically Aligned Design
- ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Texas A&M Ethical Considerations on AI
Quick Guidelines for Responsible AI Use
Teach
Leverage AI to enhance teaching and learning while upholding academic integrity.
Credit AI-generated materials used in course design, instruction, or assessments.
Promote ethical and responsible AI use by modeling best practices and guiding student engagement.
Clearly state expectations for AI use in your course syllabus, including what is allowed, what requires disclosure, and what is not permitted.
Learn
Use AI to support learning and research in ways that align with Tarleton’s academic integrity policies.
Properly cite AI-generated content when it contributes to academic work, just as with any other source.
Understand the challenges and limitations of using AI in academic and research contexts, including issues of accuracy, bias, and ethical use.
Research
Enhance research thoughtfully: Use AI tools to support idea development, content organization, and research design—while maintaining human oversight and critical evaluation of all AI-generated content.
Protect data privacy: Choose AI platforms that uphold strong data privacy standards and do not use inputted data to train publicly accessible models.
Address participant risk: Consider the potential risks of AI-generated content to research participants, and include appropriate disclosures in informed consent documents.
Follow publication standards: Understand and comply with publisher requirements regarding the use and disclosure of AI in submitted work.
Evaluate research integrity: Acknowledge how AI may affect the explanation, reproduction, and validity of your research findings.
Use training data ethically: Acquire and use training data in accordance with consent, privacy laws, and institutional review board (IRB) standards.
Work
Leverage AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making, improving workflows and service delivery across departments.
Prioritize data privacy and security when using AI tools, ensuring compliance with university policies and applicable regulations.
Stay informed about evolving AI technologies, best practices, and ethical considerations to ensure responsible and effective use.