Preferred AI Tools
Gemini (USD's Preferred AI Platform)
The University of San Diego has adopted Google's AI products, including Gemini, as the institution's preferred and recommended AI toolkit.
- Enhanced Security: Gemini is the only AI platform approved for use with confidential university data. Because of USD's agreement with Google, all interactions are protected by the same security and privacy standards as your USD email and Google Drive (FERPA and GDPR compliant).
- Integrated Workspace: Gemini can interact directly and securely with your USD email, calendar, and Google Drive documents, allowing you to summarize notes, draft emails, and analyze documents safely.
- Recommendation: When your work involves course materials, research, or any other non-public university information, Gemini is the designated tool to use. It offers powerful AI capabilities within a secure environment that protects both you and the university.
NotebookLM
NotebookLM is Google's AI-powered research assistant designed to help you extract insights from your documents and sources. This secure tool allows you to upload materials such as research papers, course readings, lecture notes, and other academic resources. NotebookLM can summarize complex information, identify key themes, make connections between different sources, and even generate engaging audio discussions from your uploaded content. As part of Google's AI suite, NotebookLM maintains the same security standards as other USD-approved Google tools, making it ideal for academic research and study support.
Zoom AI Companion
Zoom AI Companion is an integrated AI assistant available within Zoom meetings and the Zoom platform. This tool can generate meeting summaries, create action items, draft follow-up emails, and provide real-time assistance during video conferences. AI Companion can help transcribe meetings, highlight key discussion points, and suggest next steps based on meeting content. At USD, this feature enhances meeting productivity and ensures important information is captured and organized effectively. The AI Companion integrates seamlessly with your existing Zoom workflow without requiring additional software or credentials.
Multimedia AI Services
Information Technology Services provides AI-Powered audio/video and image tools that may enhance the efficiency or quality of your project. See more information on our multimedia AI services page.
Public AI Tools
This category includes popular services like Claude, Perplexity and others that are not formally affiliated with the university.
- Policy: You are free to use these public AI tools for general exploration and learning. However, it is critical to understand the security risks involved.
- Data Privacy Warning: Public AI platforms are not secure and are not covered by the university's data protection agreements. Any information you enter can be stored, reviewed, or used to train future AI models.
- Guideline: You should NEVER input any sensitive, private, confidential, or institutional information into these tools. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Student data or personal information (names, ID numbers, grades).
- Unpublished research data or intellectual property.
- Any other non-public university information.
Think of these tools as public forums. They are excellent for brainstorming general ideas or exploring publicly available topics, but are not suitable for any work involving university data.
Responsible and Ethical AI Use
At the University of San Diego, we are guided by our values to engage with new technologies thoughtfully and ethically. Using Artificial Intelligence responsibly is a shared commitment that upholds the integrity of our academic community. The following principles should guide your use of all AI tools.
Think of AI as a powerful assistant; you are the one in charge. You are 100% responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and quality of any work you produce with the help of AI.
- Verify, Don't Trust: AI models can be confidently incorrect, invent facts (a process known as "hallucination"), and present biased information. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate and fact-check all AI-generated content against reliable sources before using it.
- Maintain Your Voice: Use AI as a tool to enhance your own thinking, not replace it. The goal is to augment your skills in research, writing, and problem-solving, not to outsource them.
Honesty about your process is a cornerstone of academic and professional integrity. Being transparent about your use of AI builds trust and ensures you are properly representing your contributions.
- Disclose Your Use: When permitted by your instructor or your role, you should acknowledge your use of AI tools. Follow the citation guidelines provided by the Copley Library for academic work.
- Know the Rules: Each instructor, department, or project may have different expectations for AI use. It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the specific policies that apply to your work.
Protecting sensitive information is a critical ethical and legal responsibility. Your use of AI must align with the university's data security policies.
- Use Approved Tools for University Work: When working with any non-public information—including student data, research, or other confidential materials—you must use Gemini, USD's approved AI platform.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data: Never input personal, private, or confidential information into public AI tools like ChatGPT. Treat any information you enter into a public AI tool as if you were posting it on an open website.
As a Changemaker campus, we have a responsibility to consider the broader societal impact of the technologies we use.
- Challenge Bias: Be aware that AI can reflect and amplify societal biases present in its training data. Use your critical thinking skills to identify and challenge biased perspectives in AI-generated content.
- Promote Equity: Consider how AI tools can be used to support learning and innovation for all members of our community, and be mindful of how they might create or worsen digital divides. By using AI ethically, you contribute to a more just and responsible technological future.