Generative AI at Syracuse University

In this Section

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude have redefined what it means to work, study, teach and create. These tools generate new content based on existing data from the internet or other databases, including user or University data in certain applications.

Generative AI requires human input, editing and evaluation. It is our responsibility to review and revise AI-generated content to ensure its accuracy and make it our own.

Information Technology Services has compiled a quick guide to generative AI and will continue to add resources to this hub as the field evolves.

Table of Contents

AI at Work

On Oct. 1, 2024, Information Technology Services hosted University faculty and staff for a discussion about generative AI at work, including guidelines for responsible use of AI, an overview of some of the tools available and tips for achieving better results. Speakers included Jeff Rubin, Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer, and Eric Sedore, Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Technology Officer. Video of the presentation is available below.

 

Guidelines

Syracuse University has developed the following guidelines to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies by students, faculty, staff and vendors.

Approved Tools for Use with University Data

Per University guidelines, users should only enter University data when working in the following University-approved AI tools and platforms, which meet Syracuse University’s security and compliance standards:

  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Adobe Firefly
  • Gradescope
  • Blackboard’s AI

University community members should not use University data when working in any other AI tools.

Ways to Get Started

Generative AI has the power to shorten the gap between idea and draft. It also can streamline processes to create more time for big-picture thinking. You can get started using generative AI by:

  • Generating first drafts of written content such as emails, reports, etc.
  • Creating images for presentations, web content, storyboards and social media
  • Summarizing an online meeting (e.g., using the licensed version of Copilot within Microsoft Teams), including key takeaways and next steps
  • Synthesizing information from webpages, PDFs, and other documents
  • Searching the internet or enterprise data to answer specific, well-defined questions

Prompting Tips: Getting Better Results

Part of getting better answers is asking better questions. When prompting or querying an AI tool, the more parameters you provide—format, tone, style, intended audience, etc.—the better your results will be. If the first result does not meet your needs, you can refine your prompt.

For example, users of the University’s Copilot tenant can take advantage of the app’s integration with other Microsoft apps and University data. Instead of asking, “Please write an email reminding Otto about next week’s alumni event,” you could say, “Please write a short, informal email to Otto that provides the time, location, and expected attendees for next week’s alumni event.”

You also can specify the length and format of the finished product. You can ask for a written response to a complex question in less than 75 words or you can ask the tool to summarize a paragraph in table format.

If you need a visual for a presentation, you can use a tool like ChatGPT to quickly generate, iterate and revise new images based on your imagination—not necessarily your artistic ability.

Example Prompts

Weak: Tell me about information security.

Stronger: Describe why information security is important for an audience of college students.

Even Stronger: You’re giving a presentation to college students. Please provide five bullet points under the heading “Information Security Tips.” Keep each bullet point to 15 words or less.

Recommended Videos

The following LinkedIn Learning videos provide helpful overviews and how-to instruction for specific AI tools. (All active University students, faculty and staff have access to LinkedIn Learning using their NetID log-in information.)

ITS also recently discussed generative AI with Adam Peruta, Director of Advanced Media Management at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. The video is available below.