General Statement

Over the past twelve months, the world experienced a rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions such as ChatGPT. These AI solutions have captured our imagination and opened new doors to innovation and creativity.

AI is here to stay and will impact all sectors including higher education. Humber will always embrace new technology in a manner that supports teaching, learning, innovation, high performance, and the experience of our students and staff. In doing this, Humber remains committed to the principles outlined in the Digital Campus Plan: People First, Equity and Inclusion, Digital Ethics and Privacy and Safety and Security.

Many of these generative AI tools are available on an open-source basis and others require subscriptions. However, it is important to note that utilization of AI, particularly in the workplace, comes with associated risks. As the AI space continues to evolve rapidly, Humber will provide further guidance and establish specific policies when required. In the meantime, Humber is providing the guidance and direction below for all staff and faculty specifically as it relates to conducting official College business.

There are exciting opportunities to apply AI in the context of academic delivery and research. The Academic Division Statement on Artificial Intelligence provides guidance on the use of AI for teaching and learning and provides guidance on maintaining academic integrity. To review the statement, visit the Academic Division's webpage.

How to Explore AI Safely

Staff members may wish to explore AI solutions such as ChatGPT on their own to learn more about this new technology. It is ideal to try such solutions for personal use such as using a generative AI tool to research a topic of personal interest. If you discover a tool or application that could be of interest to Humber for operational use in the administration of the College, you are encouraged to discuss the idea with your manager and to consult with Information Technology Services regarding the appropriateness of the use case. AI has already proven to be a useful ancillary tool for many staff at Humber for activities such as idea generation, image creation or task management.

Microsoft AI Tools

Humber has introduced Microsoft's generative AI tools to the community, granting students, faculty, and staff access to Microsoft Copilot, which incorporates ChatGPT and ensures commercial data protection. A preliminary trial of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 is in progress, with plans to expand the trial soon.

What to Avoid

At this early stage in the AI era, Humber cautions against the use of freely available AI tools such as ChatGPT as the primary means for completing official tasks or to generate information that is relied upon without verification. It is important to remember that Humber does not permit the use of open-source solutions in general for official College business unless such tools have been properly vetted by Information Technology Services and other stakeholders such as Financial Services, People(s) and Culture, and the Legal and Privacy office.

Additionally, staff must avoid using AI in any way that would otherwise be in contravention of Humber policies, including but not limited to:

1. Access and Privacy Policy;
2. Acceptable Use of Digital Services;
3. IT Security Policy;
4. Data Governance Policy;
5. Academic Integrity for Faculty and Staff Policy.

Examples of the inappropriate use of AI could include:

• Inputting personal information of individuals or other confidential information into an unapproved AI tool for processing, sorting or analysis;
• Reliance upon research information produced by an AI tool that is not verified independent of the AI tool;
• Sharing the intellectual property of Humber, its students or staff into an AI tool or database;
• Using AI in any way that would violate any other policy, rule or standard of behaviour expected of Humber staff; or
• Providing an AI tool with access to any Humber database or other electronically stored records.

Humber already utilizes certain AI solutions and will implement additional AI tools for Humber business as warranted. Commercial AI solutions exist for many functions that will be beneficial to Humber. Humber will continue to appropriately pursue such solutions through vendors that meet Humber’s standards and technical requirements so that we can benefit from the evolution of AI technology in a safe and sustainable manner.

All members of the Humber community have a responsibility to adhere to established policies with respect to the use of digital services and it is critical that we continue to adhere to these policies to maintain safe, secure, and effective utilization of technology for the College.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lora Nasim at lora.nasim@humber.ca.