Welcome to UC Merced Artificial Intelligence
The rapid rise and adoption of AI-enabled computing is set to transform the way we live, work, teach, and learn. From enabling new breakthroughs in research to creating simple efficiency improvements that enhance our quality of life, UC Merced aims to embrace AI in a responsible manner that is consistent with our strategic goals to advance knowledge, develop scholars and leaders, and cultivate a culture of dignity and respect for all. Read on for an overview of campus AI news, resources, and tools available to the Bobcat community. Check back often and watch other campus communications outlets for the latest developments.
UC Merced AI News
As UC Merced is gearing up for our first research week as an R1 university, the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning is looking for speakers to share their experiences with AI for their ...
Available AI Tools & Services
The following AI services are generally available to the UC Merced community and supported by the Office of Information Technology. When logging in to these tools with your UC Merced credentials, appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure the protection and privacy of institutional data.
Zoom AI Companion
Zoom AI Companion adds features to Zoom such as meeting summaries, in-meeting questions & answers, and smart recordings.
Zoom AI Companion:
- Has no cost as it is included with our Zoom contract
- Utilizes the following data models
- Zoom LLM
- Meta Llama 2
- OpenAI
- Anthropic
- Utilizes data you keep within Zoom
Faculty
Staff
Student
Up to P2
Canva Magic Studio
Canva Magic Studio uses OpenAI to add additional features to your Canva experience: text generation, design generation, editing tools, and photo/video creation from text prompts.
Canva Magic Studio:
- Has no additional cost for those with Canva licenses, as it is included with the license
- Utilizes the GPT-4.0 data model
- Utilizes data gathered from the web
Faculty
Staff
Student
Up to P2
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an an AI-powered conversational assistant that leverages Bing web results to provide quick and contextually relevant responses in a natural chat-like format.
Microsoft Copilot:
- Has no cost as it is included with our Microsoft contract
- Utilizes multiple undisclosed data models
- Utilizes data gathered from the web
Faculty
Staff
Student
Up to P4
Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an AI-powered productivity tool that uses large language models (LLMs) and integrates your data within the Microsoft 365 apps and services
Copilot for Microsoft 365:
- Has a cost of $360 annually
- Utilizes multiple undisclosed data models
- Utilizes data you keep within your Microsoft products
Faculty
Staff
Up to P4
ChatGPT EDU
ChatGPT is an AI-powered conversational assistant that uses natural language processing models (NLP) to assist users by providing quick and contextually relevant responses to text-based queries.
NOTE: The UC Office of the President is in contract negotiations with OpenAI to ensure the security of UC data and privacy protection for the campus community. Until negotiations are complete, licenses for ChatGPT will be unavailable.
ChatGPT EDU:
- Costs for ChatGPT EDU are under negotiation
- Utilizes the GPT-4.0 data model
- Utilizes data gathered from the web
Faculty
Staff
Up to P4
Compare Products
| Availability | Aproved For | Approved Data Protection Levels | Cost | Data Models | Data Sources | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Copilot | Available Now | Faculty, Staff, & Students | P4 | Included in campus contract | Multiple, Undisclosed | Web |
| Copilot for Microsoft 365 | Available Now | Faculty & Staff | P4 | $360 Annually | Multiple, Undisclosed | Any data you keep in Microsoft Products |
| ChatGPT EDU | UCOP Negotiating | Faculty & Staff | P4 | UCOP Negotiating | GPT-4.0 | Web |
| Zoom AI Companion | December 2024 | Faculty, Staff, & Students | P2 | Included in campus contract | Zoom LLM, Meta Llama 2, OpenAI, Anthropic | Any data you keep in Zoom |
| Canva Magic Studio | December 2024 | Faculty, Staff, & Students | P2 | Included with paid license | GPT-4.0 | Web |
Responsible Use of AI Tools & Services
The University of California has developed a set of Responsible AI Principles to guide the use and adoption of AI tools in support of the university’s mission. These principles are designed to carefully consider both the benefits and risks of potential AI applications while maintaining transparency, safety, and fairness for affected populations. Aligning use cases with the UC Responsible AI Principles helps ensure UC procures, develops, and implements AI-enabled tools that advance both our systems and processes as well as our values.
The Office of Information Technology maintains an expanding catalog of supported AI tools, including the types of institutional data permissible for each (see table above). Please consider using these supported tools where appropriate, as agreements have been reached with these suppliers to ensure the proper protection and use of our institutional data.
When using and evaluating AI tools not covered by UC Merced or University of California contracts, be careful and aware of the institutional data you are sharing. As a standard practice, never share Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Personal Health Information (PHI), protected student records, or other data classified as P3 or P4 with any AI tool without consultation to determine appropriateness and any necessary safeguards.
FAQs
What is AI?
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
What resources are available to instructors for using AI in the classroom?
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.
Is the use of AI considered plagiarism? What about copyright infringement?
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:
- 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.
-
always be clear to attribute what work is a result of using AI.
- We strongly recommend you validate what AI has produced is correct and additionally cite the sources you used to verify the result.
What does P1, P2, P3, P4 mean under "Approved Data Protection Levels"?
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.
Can I use AI for my course work?
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.
What AI tools and services do students have access to through UC Merced?
Students have access to use Zoom AI Companion, Canva Magic Write, and Microsoft Copilot.
Can I use AI products not listed on this page?
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.
Get Involved with AI at UC Merced
Interested in collaborating with campus partners on innovative uses of AI? Have an article, event, or informational resource you would like to promote on this page? If you, your department, or your division would like to participate in the UC Merced AI community of practice, please register your interest as an AI Ambassador below.
