Welcome to UC Merced Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. These systems can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and translating languages. Generative AI (genAI) is a specific type of AI that creates new content, such as text, images, or music. Unlike broader AI, which analyzes and predicts based on existing data, genAI generates original material, making it a powerful tool for creativity and innovation.

This answer was generated via Microsoft Copilot

The UC Merced Teaching Commons has published an “AI in Teaching and Learning” page to promote resources and best practices available to instructors. Check this site often for news and updates on additional materials as they are developed. 

This is a complicated question that many have weighed in on and has significant ethical and potential legal considerations. Unfortunately, at this time, there isn’t a simple answer. While generative AI doesn’t "copy" from other sources (and therefore doesn’t fit the traditional definition of plagiarism), some of the information used to train the data models that generative AI uses could be considered copyright infringement. We recommend considering a few things before you use genAI in your teaching, learning, work, or research:

1. Ensure that to whomever you are submitting your work does not explicitly forbid the use of AI. For example, instructors may choose to disallow the use of AI in their courses and grants may restrict or exclude entirely the use of AI. You are responsible for verifying these conditions.
    
2. always be clear to attribute what work is a result of using AI.
    
3. We strongly recommend you validate what AI has produced is correct and additionally cite the sources you used to verify the result.

There are two systemwide policies that define and direct the use and protection of university data: IS-3 and IS-12. Given the aggressive way that AI systems consume and utlize data, it is critical that they are evaluated to ensure university data is stored and managed safely. We have a helpful page that breaks this down in greater detail to help guide you through what data falls within which category. This will help you ensure that which ever contract AI you choose to work with is appropriate.

Students should not use AI for coursework without explicit permission from their instructors. Students should consult their course syllabus on allowable use of AI in a course, and inquire with the instructor directly for any additional questions. The use of AI for coursework without instructor permission may be considered a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy and subject to accountability via the Code of Student Conduct.

Students have access to use Zoom AI Companion, Canva Magic Write, and Microsoft Copilot.

If you’d like to use a paid tool not listed here for institutional purposes, please submit a Software Purchase Request. OIT and Procurement work together to evaluate contractual terms & conditions to ensure the protection of UC Merced’s data and the campus community. The use of free tools should be approached with caution and should not be used with any sensitive (P3 or P4 data). Data entered into “free” tools is typically used to further train and refine the AI models, which can lead to inadvertent exposure of institutional information. If you’re unsure about a use case, please request a security consultation with OIT.