Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Division of Information Technology (IT) supports the responsible use and experimentation with generative AI tools.

This page provides a collection of guidelines and resources that will be regularly updated as generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology.  

IT will make concerted efforts to stay informed of developments in AI and will be partnering across the College to seek feedback to update guidelines and build on existing College policies.

Initial Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI Tools

Protect confidential data

In accordance with Bowdoin’s Written Information Security Program (WISP), you should not enter any non-public data, specifically anything that includes non-public research data, into publicly available generative AI tools. Information shared with generative AI tools using default settings is not private and could expose proprietary or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

Review AI content carefully before publication

You are responsible for any content that you produce or publish that includes AI-generated material: AI-generated content can be inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated (sometimes called “hallucinations”), and may contain copyrighted material. 

Adhere to College policies on academic integrity

Review the Academic Honor Code and faculty handbook for details. Faculty should be clear about their policies on permitted uses, if any, of generative AI with the students they are teaching and advising.  Students are also encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification about these policies as needed.

Consider how AI impacts teaching and learning

Generative AI resources focused on learning and teaching can be found in the "Resources for Faculty and Instructors" organization in Canvas.

Be alert for AI-enabled phishing

Generative AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create sophisticated scams at far greater scale. Continue to use safe computing best practices and report suspicious messages using the options outlined in the How to Report a Phish or Spam Email article. 

round domed ceiling in the Bowdoin CollegeMuseum of Art
AI Tools

There are AI tools currently available at Bowdoin that are free to access with your bowdoin.edu account.

  1. Microsoft CoPilot
  2. Adobe Creative Cloud which contains Adobe Firefly
  3. Zoom's AI Companion
Obtaining or Purchasing Generative AI Tools

Let us know if you have procured, are considering procuring, or have any questions about generative AI tools using our online form. It's important that tools procured on behalf of the College are reviewed by IT and have the appropriate privacy, accessibility, and security protections.  

AI Questions and Procurement Form