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  1. Avoid inputting sensitive or personal data into AI systems that do not explicitly provide appropriate data security and privacy protections.  Continue Continue reading below for requirements related to PSU confidential information.

  2. Always verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.

  3. Use AI outputs as a starting point, rather than as finalized content, especially in academic or professional settings.

  4. Be aware of potential biases and take steps to mitigate them.

  5. Ensure Disclose AI use, ensure proper attribution, and avoid plagiarism.

  6. Understand instructor expectations for Gen AI use related to any coursework. If you are not sure, ask your instructor.

Policies, Standards, and Best Practices

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Unless explicitly stated by the vendor or service provider, Generative AI tools and services will typically utilize data entered into them to train the large language model or for human review. The use of Gen AI tools not supported by OIT for University operations should be reviewed by the OIT Security Team.

As long as you are logged into your pdx.edu account, Google Gemini and NotebookLM will not use data and files uploaded to train the model or for human review as long as you are logged into your pdx.edu account.

  • Gemini for Students is covered by the Google Terms of Service and should not be used for confidential or restricted data types as outlined in the PSU Information Security Policy.

  • Gemini for Employees is covered by the Google Workspace for Education Terms of Service and can be used for confidential or restricted data types that would otherwise be appropriate to store in Google Drive.

  • NotebookLM (for both students and employees) is covered by the Google Terms of Service and should not be used for confidential or restricted data types as outlined in the PSU Information Security Policy.

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Gemini Feature Comparison Using PSU Login

Feature

Gemini for Students

Gemini for Employees

Gemini Education Add-On (Employees)

Gemini Education Premium Add-On (Employees)

Access to Gemini

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

Suitable for use with PSU confidential data (1)

✔️

✔️

✔️

Integration with Google Workspace, including Gmail, Drive, and Docs 

✔️

✔️

Access to Gems, custom AI agents for any topic, and extensions

✔️

✔️

Ability to upload non-image files and Google Drive documents (2)

✔️

✔️

Access to Gemini Advanced, Google’s most capable AI models widely available today (3)

✔️

✔️

Additional Google Meet features, such as automated note-taking

✔️

Additional Cost (4)

None

None

$16 / user / month ($192 annually, 1 year commitment required)

$24 / user / month ($288 annually, 1 year commitment required)

Notes:

  1. Gemini for Employees is covered by enterprise-grade data protection as a core service governed by the Google Workspace for Education Terms of Service. NotebookLM and student use of Gemini is not covered by the same terms of service as Gemini for employees and is therefore not suitable for confidential or restricted PSU data.

  2. File and Google Drive uploads are available for all users in NotebookLM.

  3. Gemini Education Add-On gets 1,000 uses/month of Google’s most advanced AI model, while Gemini Education Premium Add-On receives unlimited access to the advanced model.

  4. Technology Coordinators can purchase Gemini Add-Ons for employees in their department through the TC Service Desk.

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Generative AI can be a powerful tool for students when used responsibly, providing opportunities to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity. Students should consult with their instructor and/or syllabus before utilizing Generative AI tools for academic work, to determine the level, if any, of allowed generative AI usage (for example, using generative AI to write an assignment vs. using it to generate a preliminary set of references for review). In all cases, content generated by your prompting of AI must be appropriately attributed as indicated in the Academic Misconduct Policy

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When appropriate, generative AI chatbots can assist with academic tasks, such as brainstorming ideas, summarizing information, or helping with writing. Recommended tools include:

Gemini

Known for its user-friendly interface, Gemini is an excellent tool for students to enhance their academic work. It can assist in structuring essays, developing research questions, and improving overall writing quality. Gemini's advanced features make it especially useful for editing, ensuring clarity, and generating creative ideas for assignments. For instance, students can use Gemini to brainstorm thesis statements, get suggestions for essay outlines, or refine drafts for better readability (see resources section). a general purpose tool that can aid in a variety of tasks students perform when writing or analyzing. For best results, communicate with your professor about how to use Gemini to maximize your learning and to identify the right uses of Gemini for your work in the class. For example, students can brainstorm ideas in class discussion and also brainstorm individually with Gemini assisting. Gemini can help writers organize scattered thoughts into an outline. It can correct grammatical mistakes, and explain the errors so you're less likely to make them again. It is excellent at summarizing ideas, and editing for concision.

For more information about learning with AI, visit the Generative AI at Portland State University page.

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A versatile tool that integrates well with academic materials, NotebookLM helps students organize notes, summarize key concepts, and generate insights for assignments. It is particularly useful for managing large amounts of information and generating coherent summaries, making it an ideal study companion.These . It is an excellent accessibility tool because it can transform text into other modalities, such as audio. 

Keep in mind that any time Gen AI transforms material, it can introduce errors or elisions. Gen AI  tools can support various academic activities, but students should always engage critically with carefully review the AI outputs to ensure quality and originalityaccuracy.

Getting Started

To get started with generative AI chatbots, students can follow these basic steps:

  1. Choose an AI Tool: Select a tool based on your needs. If you’re using a tool not supported by PSU, ensure that the tool provides adequate data security and privacy.

  2. Start with Simple Prompts: Begin with simple questions or requests to understand how the tool works. For example, "Generate a summary of the main ideas from [topic]."

  3. Test accuracy by asking AI to summarize or transform something you know well. This will give you experience evaluating Gen AI critically. 

  4. Troubleshooting & Refinement: If a chatbot generates irrelevant or unclear content, try rephrasing your prompt or providing more context.

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  • Thrive AI microcredential
    A An asynchronous, on-demand PSU microcredential program facilitated by Prof. Kathi Inman Berens, Thrive AI is an introductory course focused on applying Generative AI to teaching and research use cases. This course is freely available for faculty and staff. Anyone can use/reuse microcredential materials in their own courses with attribution. The Credly badge certification can be posted on LinkedIn and listed on Tenure & Promotion materials.

    • Duration: Approximately 2 weeks (10 hours)

  • Google Skillshop: Generative AI for Educators
    A self-paced course designed to fit into a teacher’s busy schedule, helping educators understand AI concepts and tools, including generative AI. This course explores AI's role in education and its integration into the classroom.

    • Duration: Approximately 2 hours

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