AI Use at NCCU

NCCU supports the responsible use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching, learning, and productivity, but all AI use must comply with the university's data protection standards. Users must understand NCCU’s data classification levels, Level 0 (Public) through Level 3 (Highly Restricted), to ensure sensitive or restricted data is never entered into AI tools.

AI Use at NCCU - Guidance from ITS

NCCU supports the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching, learning, and productivity. However, all AI use must comply with the university's data protection standards.

Why Data Classification Matters

Before using AI tools, it’s important to understand the levels of data classification. NCCU classifies all university data by risk level, from Level 0 (Public) to Level 3 (Highly Restricted). Using AI tools incorrectly can expose sensitive data, so knowing the classification level helps you determine what is safe to use.

NCCU Data Classification Levels

• Level 0 – Public (Data is safe to use in AI tools). Information that is openly available to everyone (e.g., websites, press releases, job postings).
• Level 1 – Internal (Use caution; generally, it should not be entered into external AI tools). Information meant for campus use only (e.g., internal emails, internal departmental policies and procedures, internal budget details, etc.).
• Level 2 – Confidential/Sensitive (Do NOT use in AI tools) Includes student records, personal identifiable information (PII), confidential financial data, and protected research.
• Level 3 – Highly Restricted (NEVER use in AI tools under any circumstances) Includes Social Security numbers, medical records, payment data, and highly sensitive research.

Key Rule: If data is not public, do not enter it into AI tools unless explicitly approved.

Top Questions that Guide Your AI Usage

Can I use AI tools without entering university data?

Yes. You can use AI tools with Level 0 (Public) or non-sensitive information to learn and explore.

Examples:

• Study tips
• Brainstorming ideas
• Time management support

Do not enter:

• Student data
• Employee information
• Any sensitive or internal NCCU data

Always review and follow the tool’s terms of use.

Can I use my personal paid AI tool for university business?

No. Only NCCU-approved AI tools may be used for university-related work. Personal accounts must not be used to process or store university data.

What AI tools can I use?

NCCU ITS has approved AI tools for campus use.

• View Approved AI Tools
  • Copilot
  • Grammarly
  • Gemini
• Review Recommended AI Solutions
• Check the Reviewed IT Purchases for a full list

Some tools are approved for use only in specific cases.

What if I want to use an AI tool that is not approved?

All AI tools must undergo NCCU’s IT review process unless they are on the list.

Steps:

1. Check the Reviewed IT Purchases list.
2. If not listed, submit a request through IT for approval.

Can students use AI for assignments?

It depends on the course and instructor.

• Some instructors encourage AI use.
• Others may limit or restrict it.

Tip: Always check your syllabus or ask your instructor.

Can instructors prohibit AI use?

There is no guaranteed way to detect AI use, but instructors can design assignments to limit it.

Best practice:

• Clearly communicate expectations.
• Include an AI statement in the syllabus.

Responsible AI Use at NCCU

All users (students, faculty, staff, and partners) are responsible for protecting university data. Proper data handling is required to prevent unauthorized access and ensure privacy and security.

Using AI responsibly helps protect:

• NCCU data.
• Personal privacy. and 
• Academic integrity.

Quick Reminders

• Use AI only with public or non-sensitive data.
• Never enter confidential or restricted data.
• Use approved tools for university work.