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Scenario-Based AI Use

Guiding principles for faculty, staff, and students on appropriate AI use.

Guide Overview

This LibGuide is a practical resource designed to help faculty, staff, and students at Marian University navigate the responsible use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and others) in academic and professional contexts.

As AI tools become increasingly common in writing, teaching, learning, and administrative tasks, it’s critical to understand where their use is acceptable, conditional, or inappropriate—especially when it comes to handling sensitive information like student records, grades, or personal health data.

This guide provides:

  • Realistic use case scenarios categorized as Acceptable, Conditional, or Unacceptable.
  • Explanations tied to relevant policies (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, university data guidelines).
  • Audience-specific guidance for faculty, staff, and students.
  • Resources and decision-making tools to promote ethical, effective, and policy-aligned AI usage.

Purpose

The purpose of this guide is to:

  • Demystify the boundaries of generative AI use in various campus contexts.
  • Support ethical, legal, and effective practices aligned with Marian University’s Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Serve as a training and reference tool for departments and individuals adopting AI tools in their work or coursework.
  • Provide clear, scenario-based guidance that empowers users to make informed decisions.

For principles and guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by all members of the university community, please see the AI Acceptable Use Policy.