Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life at Syracuse University. Faculty are using it to accelerate research. Staff are exploring ways it can improve processes and efficiency. Students are experimenting with it to learn, create, and problem-solve in new ways. AI has the potential to open doors we’ve only just begun to imagine.
With that opportunity comes responsibility. Just like email, cloud computing, and mobile devices transformed how we work and learn, AI brings both benefits and risks. The good news is that with a few mindful practices, we can make the most of this technology while staying secure.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we embrace AI on campus:
- Use the right tools. The University is investing in licensed AI platforms that are safer and more reliable than consumer-grade, free alternatives. Using approved tools helps protect both your information and the University’s data.
- Protect your inputs. AI is only as safe as the data you give it. Avoid entering personal information, student records, or confidential research into any AI system unless it has been cleared for that use as shown in the University’s Artificial Intelligence Guidelines.
- Stay alert for “AI-powered” scams. Just as we use AI for good, attackers can use it to make their phishing emails, phone calls, and fake websites more convincing. The basics still apply: slow down, double-check, and verify before acting.
AI is an exciting part of Syracuse University’s future, and your awareness helps us use it responsibly. By combining innovation with security, we can lead with confidence—showing not just what’s possible, but what’s possible safely.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
— Christopher Croad
Chief Information Security Officer
Syracuse University