AI at Bentley University

Guidelines, Recommendations, and Resources for Using AI Ethically and Effectively

Why Use AI?

AI can enhance your learning experience:

  • Faster idea generation & brainstorming
  • Improved writing clarity & grammar
  • Producing cleaner, more professional work

Recommended Tools

Approved Uses

General tasks where AI can assist:

  • Brainstorming ideas & topics
  • Drafting outlines & structuring content
  • Editing grammar, style, and clarity
  • Exploring research avenues (verify info!)

Important: Always check specific course or assignment guidelines, as restrictions may apply. When in doubt, ask your instructor.

Ethical Use Principles

Use AI responsibly and maintain integrity:

  • Be transparent about AI use as required.
  • Apply human judgment; verify all AI outputs.
  • Watch for and mitigate potential bias.
  • Respect privacy; avoid inputting sensitive data.
  • Ensure final work reflects your own understanding.

Guidance for Faculty & Staff

Ensuring clarity and fairness for students regarding AI use.

Clearly State Restrictions

Specify allowed/disallowed AI use in syllabi and assignments. Be explicit.

Explain the Rationale

Connect restrictions to learning objectives and academic integrity.

Encourage Questions

Foster open dialogue; invite students to ask if unsure about AI use.

Student Policy Recommendations

Shaping Bentley's AI future: Suggestions based on student experiences.

Data Privacy and Security

Transparent Data Collection

Implement clear policies on what student data is collected through AI systems and how it's used, with opt-out options.

Student Rationale:

Based on student experiences with unclear data usage in current systems

Regular Security Audits

Conduct third-party security audits of AI systems that process student information twice per academic year.

Student Rationale:

After experiencing data breaches in similar institutions

Data Retention Limits

Establish clear timeframes for retaining student data in AI systems, with automatic deletion after graduation.

Student Rationale:

Students expressed concerns about long-term data storage

Academic Integrity

AI Use Disclosure

Require students to disclose when assignments have been completed with AI assistance.

Student Rationale:

Based on classroom experiences with undisclosed AI use

Faculty AI Training

Provide mandatory training for faculty on detecting AI-generated content and designing AI-resistant assignments.

Student Rationale:

Student experiences showed inconsistent faculty approaches to AI tools

AI-Augmented Learning Guidelines

Develop clear guidelines on appropriate use of AI tools for different types of coursework.

Student Rationale:

Students reported confusion about when AI use is acceptable

Accessibility and Inclusion

Bias Monitoring

Implement regular audits of AI systems to detect and correct biases in algorithms affecting student services.

Student Rationale:

Students from underrepresented groups reported biased outcomes

Universal Design Approach

Ensure all AI systems meet accessibility standards and work with assistive technologies.

Student Rationale:

Student experiences with inaccessible technology

Language Diversity Support

AI tools should support multiple languages to accommodate international students.

Student Rationale:

International students faced barriers with English-only systems

Implementation and Governance

Student Advisory Board

Create a student-led AI advisory board to provide input on AI policies and implementation.

Student Rationale:

Personal experiences highlighted the lack of student voice in technology decisions

Transparent Decision-Making

Document and publish how AI systems make decisions that affect students, including admissions and resource allocation.

Student Rationale:

Students expressed concern about algorithmic decision-making

Regular Policy Review

Review and update AI policies annually with input from students, faculty, and staff.

Student Rationale:

Technology evolves rapidly, making static policies quickly outdated

Share Your Feedback

Your input is valuable! Help shape Bentley’s evolving AI policies and guidelines by sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Submit Feedback Here