AI Use Statement
Winona State may use AI as a tool for supporting university work under certain conditions.
Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has had a significant impact on higher education. Numerous AI applications are readily available, and AI features are already part of the information technology systems and services we use every day.
The introduction of AI raises issues of fundamental importance to Winona State, our society, and the world, including its impact on the environment, professional life, the production of knowledge and creative work, and the act and meaning of learning. Winona State expects this diffusion and disruption to continue at a rapid pace and is committed to supporting the campus community to address challenges and leverage opportunities.
Winona State views AI as a tool that may be used under certain conditions for supporting university work. The university follows the definitions, guidelines, and recommendations included in the Minnesota State Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidance (PDF) document and maintains additional campus expectations for instructional and operational AI usage.
At Winona State, the instructional use of AI must align with our university’s mission, values, and vision. Winona State’s mission is to enhance our students’ intellectual vitality and prepare them to respond imaginatively, creatively, and responsibly to the challenges of their work, their lives, and their communities. We value being a community of learners who promote purposeful engagement, intellectual inquiry, and creative innovation, and we aspire to be a leader in academic excellence. Winona State supports applications of AI that align with these guiding principles.
Our operational use of AI must comply with federal and state laws and regulations, board policies and system procedures, and Winona State policies, procedures, and expectations.
Supported Applications
Winona State only permits the use of AI applications for university purposes that are system approved, or that have been approved through Winona State’s Software and Data Governance process. The list of system approved applications includes Microsoft Copilot, Zoom AI Companion, and Adobe Firefly. Consult the Minnesota State Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidance (PDF) for more information about these applications.
For other applications, refer to the instructions for submitting a Winona State Software and Data Governance Proposal. Approval is granted on a per-user and per-case basis. However, this approval can extend to students in a course. For example, instructors cannot obtain approval for their entire department to use ChatGPT. However, an instructor’s approval to use ChatGPT for a class activity would extend to the students in that class.
Acceptable Use
As stated in the Minnesota State Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidance (PDF), System Procedure 5.22.1 Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources applies to the use of AI and all users must comply with all applicable board policies, system procedures, laws, and regulations. This includes the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Providing or using highly restricted or restricted data in any third-party application or service, including AI applications, requires a contractual agreement with the third party that ensures adherence to data security and data sharing protocols. Contact techsupport@winona.edu with any questions.
Assuming compliance with all policies, procedures, laws, and regulations and in accordance with Article 4, Section A of the 2023-2025 IFO Master Agreement pertaining to academic freedom, the authority to define the acceptable use, study, and deployment of AI for instructional purposes rests with the faculty.
All Winona State instructors are required to include a syllabus statement that conveys their expectations regarding the acceptable use of AI by students in the course. Review sample syllabus statements and contact tlt@winona.edu with questions. Instructors are also encouraged to add AI expectations to the course notes available to students during registration.
Responsible Use
As stated in the Minnesota State Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidance (PDF), users are responsible for their use of AI services when accessing them through institution or system resources.
In accordance with Winona State’s Academic Integrity Policy, students’ intentional misrepresentation of AI-produced output as their own work is considered a policy violation, subject to investigation and possible disciplinary action. Winona State requires that work produced by students represents their personal efforts and that they properly acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others, including AI. Students should consult with their instructors on acceptable methods for using and citing their use of AI in coursework.
Faculty, staff, and students should report the harmful use of AI and any associated misconduct to legalaffairs@winona.edu.