Statement on the use of Generative AI

Introduction

Aberystwyth University recognises that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing area that has the potential to transform all aspects of education, research, and administration across the Higher Education sector.

Generative AI can enhance learning outcomes, improve efficiency, and foster innovation. But the University also recognises that AI can pose significant challenges and risks, whether these relate to data accuracy, research ethics, privacy and security, plagiarism and unacceptable academic practice or human oversight and accountability. Therefore, it is essential to establish clear guidance on the use of Generative AI at Aberystwyth University, setting out the operational boundaries, and clarity in terms of where use of AI should be encouraged and where Staff and Students should be more wary and avoid its use. 

This statement sets out, in broad terms, the benefits and risks of using AI in learning and teaching, research and other University business together with principles which should be adhered to. 

The University, including its members, have a responsibility to explain to service users how and when AI has been used.

It is expected that more specific documentation will provide detailed guidance on what is permissible, and on best practice. Because of the evolving nature of AI, the University will regularly review and, where necessary, update AI-related documentation.

Principles

AU has adopted the set of Principles proposed by the Russell Group regarding the use of Generative AI: 

  1. Universities will support students and staff to become AI-literate.
  2. Staff should be equipped to support students to use generative AI tools effectively and appropriately in their learning experience.
  3. Universities will adapt teaching and assessment to incorporate the ethical use of generative AI and support equal access.
  4. Universities will ensure academic rigour and integrity is upheld.
  5. Universities will work collaboratively to share best practice as the technology and its application in education evolves

https://russellgroup.ac.uk/news/new-principles-on-use-of-ai-in-education/  

AI literacy for Staff and Students

AI literacy is a key part of encouraging effective and ethical use of AI across the institution, and the University is committed to educating Staff and Students in the responsible and legitimate use of Generative AI, and AI applications more broadly, whilst maintaining academic rigour and integrity.

Data Privacy

Generative AI tools are trained on vast amounts of data. This includes the information entered when using the tools.  Sharing personal or sensitive data with any generative AI platform has the potential for it to become publicly available.  Awareness of the risks to personal and also commercially sensitive data and intellectual property, are crucial to maintaining an ethical and legally compliant approach to AI. Staff and Students should therefore ensure that they familiarise themselves with the University’s Data Protection Policy and the Information Commissioner’s guidance on the use of AI (https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/artificial-intelligence/ ). Data protection law (including GDPR) applies irrespective of the type of technology used, so its basic principles of compliance will also apply to any generative AI systems.

Accuracy

AI tools cannot guarantee accuracy, despite producing content which may appear well-written and credible.  They are trained on large amounts of data but cannot themselves verify that data for accuracy. 

There may also be a mismatch, for example, because even if a data prediction is accurate in terms of its metrics and analysis it may not actually represent the ‘truth’ of a situation. If AI systems rely solely on accurate but incomplete data, they still risk reinforcing biases and ignoring critical human factors, thus creating unfair or ineffective results. Using AI systems whilst having a nuanced understanding that accuracy does not imply truthfulness is critical for navigating a complex AI landscape.

Staff and Students using Generative AI outputs in their work are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of its content.

Academic integrity

It is essential that AU maintains academic and ethical integrity in its use of AI in learning teaching, and research and also in any related ancillary or administrative activities.

There are several approaches which should be adopted to ensure that academic and ethical integrity is maintained.

  • Transparency – it should be clearly stated when Generative AI has been used and also to what extent it has been used. Staff and Students must not present work completed by AI applications as their own and must provide appropriate acknowledgement and accurate references.
  • Bias – generative AI tools produce answers based on human-generated information which may well contain biases. Where possible, these should be monitored and mitigated.  The University has an online training course dealing with Unconscious Bias and users of Generative AI are encouraged to engage with this, or any other similar training before using Generative AI tools.
  • Discrimination – when using Generative AI, users must not use outputs that discriminate between individuals or groups based on protected characteristics.

Failing to take into account these factors could affect educational and research outcomes and/or be considered academic misconduct.

Ethics

Aside from the above aspects of AI use, there may be other relevant, wider ethical issues. For instance, Generative AI relies on unacknowledged source material on which models are trained.   AI models may be built in unethical ways, e.g. using

exploitative labour practices, involving potential copyright infringement or practices which are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, using AI to make decisions might not be ethical, especially when they concern people's wellbeing, safety or positions of trust.  All of these factors need to be taken into account.

Conclusion

It is important that all AU Staff and Students take responsibility for using AI technologies with care, diligence, and respect for individual privacy and academic integrity. By prioritising these values, we can take advantage of the benefits of generative AI while also maintaining our dedication to data protection, ethical research practices and academic integrity, whilst thinking critically about our use of AI.