Key Takeaways
- Clemson University offers a vetted suite of AI tools (ChatGPT Edu, Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly, etc.) that operate within a secure, enterprise‑level environment.
- Before using any AI tool, faculty and staff must consult the AI Tool and University Data Use Guide to ensure the task and data type are permissible under Clemson’s data‑classification policy.
- The TEACH‑AI hub provides a collaborative space for instructors to explore generative AI in teaching, share best practices, and receive consultations and training.
- Clemson Libraries support AI‑driven research literacy through Canvas courses, online guides (e.g., the 10 Step AI Challenge), and reference materials.
- Academic integrity policies require clear instructor expectations about AI use; suspected violations should follow the undergraduate academic integrity process rather than reliance on AI detectors alone.
- Generative AI may assist with brainstorming or summarizing official University communications, but final products must rely on authentic Clemson content, brand standards, and human judgment.
- Help is centralized on the AI at Clemson website and supplemented by monthly AI Office Hours for informal, expert‑guided questions.
Introduction: AI Opportunities and Responsibilities at Clemson
As the new academic year begins, Clemson faculty and staff find themselves with “more opportunities than ever to use artificial intelligence in teaching, research, information discover and daily work.” This expansion brings with it important responsibilities around data protection, academic integrity, and the appropriate use of University‑approved tools. The reminders outlined below serve as a guide to navigate those opportunities safely and effectively throughout the year.
Institutionally‑Licensed AI Tools and Secure Environment
Clemson provides access to a curated set of AI tools that align with the University’s data governance, privacy and security standards. These institutionally‑licensed tools operate within Clemson’s secure technology environment and are covered by enterprise‑level privacy and security controls. Available tools include ChatGPT Edu, Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly, AI note‑taking tools Zoom AI Companion and Microsoft Copilot in Teams, and academic research tools. By restricting AI usage to this approved list, the University ensures that data handled by these systems remains protected under its overarching security framework.
Data Classification and Responsible Pairing
Clemson’s data classification policy provides a framework for protecting University information based on its sensitivity and handling requirements. When using AI tools, users must confirm that both their intended task and the information they plan to enter are permitted for that tool. The AI Tool and University Data Use Guide is the reference point for determining which tools are appropriate for different types of University data. This step is crucial to avoid inadvertent exposure of confidential or regulated information when leveraging AI capabilities.
TEACH‑AI: A Collaborative Hub for Teaching Innovation
TEACH‑AI: Teaching, Exploration, And Community Hub for AI offers Clemson faculty a collaborative space to explore generative AI in teaching, pedagogy and curriculum innovation. Supported by the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation, Clemson Libraries, and units and colleges across campus, TEACH‑AI connects instructors from across the University to share strategies, resources and effective practices, build AI literacy, support ethical use, and access consultations, programming and instructional support. The hub exemplifies Clemson’s commitment to fostering a community‑driven approach to AI integration in education.
Using AI to Find Reliable Information
Clemson Libraries provides a number of resources to guide responsible use of AI tools for locating and using reliable information. There are Canvas courses available on AI Literacy and AI Ethics as well as less formal support through online guides like the 10 Step AI Challenge. Find more information at the AI Tools and Literacy at Clemson University Libraries. These resources empower students and researchers to critically evaluate AI‑generated outputs and to combine them with traditional scholarly methods for robust information discovery.
AI and Academic Integrity
Instructors should clearly describe to students their expectations and class policies regarding the use of AI, including when and how AI may be used on assignments. When unauthorized AI use is suspected, instructors should follow the undergraduate academic integrity process and work with the Undergraduate Academic Processes Team rather than relying solely on an AI detector, following Clemson’s guidance on best practices for preventing and addressing undergraduate academic integrity concerns. This approach ensures that any potential misconduct is addressed through established institutional procedures that emphasize fairness and educational remediation.
Using AI in Official University Communications
Clemson University’s brand is grounded in real people, places and shared experiences. Generative AI may support brainstorming, organizing and summarizing, but it should not be used to create final official communications, create, recreate, modify or approximate Clemson logos, the Tiger Paw, wordmarks or other University trademarks, or to present inaccurate AI‑generated depictions of Clemson people, places or events as authentic University imagery. When using AI, rely on authentic Clemson content, University brand standards and human judgment to verify and approve what is published. This guideline protects the integrity of the Clemson brand while allowing AI to serve as a supplementary tool in the communication workflow.
Where to Get Help
Clemson offers several resources to help faculty, staff and students navigate questions about AI use. The AI at Clemson website serves as the central hub for University guidance, approved tools, training opportunities and AI Initiative updates. Monthly AI Office Hours also provide an informal setting to ask practical questions and hear directly from Clemson AI experts. These channels ensure that community members have timely access to expertise and can stay current with evolving best practices and policy updates.
Conclusion: Embracing AI Responsibly
Throughout the academic year, Clemson encourages its community to harness the transformative potential of AI while adhering to the safeguards outlined above. By leveraging approved tools, respecting data classification, engaging with TEACH‑AI, utilizing library resources, upholding academic integrity, honoring brand standards, and seeking help when needed, faculty, staff and students can innovate confidently and responsibly. As the University reminds us, the goal is not merely to adopt new technology, but to do so in a way that “protects University data, supports students, and maintains the trust that underpins Clemson’s scholarly mission.”