Frequently Asked Questions - AI on Campus
Messiah University recognizes that artificial intelligence can improve productivity, enhance teaching and learning, support research, and streamline administrative work. At the same time, AI tools create important considerations related to privacy, security, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
The University's approach is to encourage thoughtful and responsible use of AI while ensuring that institutional data, student information, and confidential records remain protected. Users are expected to evaluate each AI use case carefully and follow all applicable university policies and legal requirements.
No, AI tools are not automatically approved for use with institutional or student data
Approval depends on the specific tool, the intended use case, and the type of information that will be processed. A tool that may be approved for one purpose may not be approved for another. Each request must be evaluated independently to ensure compliance with university policies, privacy requirements, and security standards.
Faculty and staff should submit a request through the Technology Support Office by contacting techsupport@messiah.edu and providing details about their planned use.
This review process allows Information Technology Services (ITS) to evaluate the tool's security, privacy protections, licensing terms, data handling practices, and regulatory implications before institutional data is used.
Before entering information into any AI system, consider the following questions:
- Could this use compromise someone's privacy?
- Am I entering personally identifiable information (PII) or sensitive information?
- Has the individual whose information is involved been informed and given an opportunity to consent or opt out where appropriate?
- Does this use comply with university policies and applicable regulations?
These questions help users evaluate potential risks and align their use of AI with Messiah University's security and privacy expectations.
As a general rule, only information that is publicly available, fully redacted of identifying details, and not considered private, confidential, or regulated may be entered into most AI systems.
Users should always review information before submission and remove any unnecessary identifying or sensitive content.
Unless an AI system has been specifically reviewed and approved for a particular use case, users should not enter non-public institutional information, confidential university data, personally identifiable information (PII), student information protected by FERPA, academic records, sensitive student-related content, identification numbers, or personal narratives that could identify an individual.
Protecting private and regulated information is a shared responsibility of every university employee.
Yes. Faculty and staff may test AI tools that have not yet been formally approved, provided that only publicly available information is used, no institutional data is entered, no student information is entered, and no confidential or private data is submitted.
Testing should be limited to evaluating functionality and suitability until a formal review has been completed.
Yes!
When creating accounts for AI platforms, employees should use their Messiah email address and create a unique password that is not reused across other systems. This approach helps maintain institutional oversight and strengthens account security.
The use of AI tools is subject to the same policies that govern all university technology resources.
These include, but are not limited to, the Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources Policy, Data Security Policy, Data Policy, Record Retention and Data Destruction Policy, Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Policy, and Risk Management Policy.
Users are responsible for understanding and complying with these policies when using AI systems for teaching, research, administrative work, or any other university activity. Violations involving AI tools are subject to the same consequences as violations involving any other technology resource.
If you have questions regarding data privacy, security requirements, FERPA considerations, AI tool approval, appropriate use of AI, or compliance with university policies, contact the appropriate office listed below.
Contact techsupport@messiah.edu for AI tool reviews and software requests.
Contact security@messiah.edu for questions related to data handling, security, compliance, or privacy concerns.
When in doubt, ask before submitting information into an AI system. Early consultation can help prevent privacy, security, and compliance issues.