Artificial Intelligence at Portland State University

With the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) became a critical issue for higher education institutions. Generative AI is a branch of artificial intelligence that generates text, images, and other content that resembles human-generated content. Generative AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT present both opportunities and challenges for students, faculty, and staff across the university.

PSU’S AI PHILOSOPHY & PRINCIPLES

PSU’s mission and values guide its approach to AI, which encourages embracing the technology to enhance teaching, research, creative work, and administrative processes while also being mindful of employees' and students' need for responsible use. 

The following philosophy statement and guiding principles further frame PSU’s approach to AI:



Portland State University embraces new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to the extent that they advance the university’s mission and values. AI may enhance teaching, research, creative work, and administration in various ways. Consistent with the principles of academic freedom, the university encourages academic personnel to determine for themselves how this technology shall be employed in their work, if at all. We are also mindful that embracing AI is subject to the community’s standards of responsible use on the part of employees and students. Used appropriately, AI holds extraordinary promise for the furtherance of our individual and collective efforts in higher education.

STUDENT LEARNING & AI

Portland State University understands that artificial intelligence (AI) brings both opportunities and risks to student learning. Expectations for the acceptable use of AI in a course are determined by the instructor and may differ from class to class. Students should check with their instructors and read the syllabi to learn to what extent AI tools can be used in their coursework. The resources below can help students understand how to use  AI responsibly and in line with PSU’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, creativity, and inclusivity in an ever-changing digital world.

Teaching & AI

The Office of Academic Innovation offers AI teaching resources and support consultations to all educators at PSU. Explore the resources below for examples of how generative AI can be a powerful tool for designing courses and faculty/student collaboration. 

Don’t hesitate to contact OAI for support with your teaching, and look for an array of faculty workshops each term!

Research & AI

For faculty and researchers, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies offers guidance on incorporating AI into research practices. These resources help ensure that AI’s potential is harnessed responsibly, with attention to ethical standards, data privacy, and academic rigor. PSU supports research that uses AI as a tool for innovation while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. Faculty can access support for navigating AI's complex role in research, from data management to transparency in research findings.

USING AI TOOLS

PSU provides faculty, staff, and students with access to a suite of generative AI tools, including Google’s Gemini and NotebookLM products. When using or procuring AI tools, please be sure to follow PSU’s guidelines and policies, see below for more information.

THE AI WORKING GROUP

PSU’s Office of Academic Affairs formed a Generative AI Task Force in the Summer of 2023 that transitioned to a Working Group in the Spring of 2024. The cross-functional working group is composed of representatives from across the university, including faculty, a representative of the Faculty Senate Educational Policy Committee, the offices of Academic Innovation and Information Technology, the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Research and Graduate Studies, the Library, and Student Affairs. This group is tasked with recommending AI guidance and tools for the PSU's community of faculty, staff, and students.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about PSU’s approach to AI or need guidance on integrating AI into your academic work, teaching, or research, we’re here to help. PSU’s Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies are dedicated to supporting responsible and effective AI use across campus. Whether you're a student seeking advice on ethical AI usage, a faculty member exploring AI tools for your courses, or a researcher interested in AI's potential, PSU offers resources, workshops, and personalized support to address your needs. Please reach out to us through the contact links below, and let us know how we can assist you in navigating AI at PSU.