AI Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. UNC Asheville encourages the responsible use of AI to support teaching, learning, research, and University operations. Users are expected to follow the University’s AI Guiding Principles, Data Classification Guidelines, applicable University policies, and abide by restrictions or rules imposed by an instructor or supervisor.

The University provides approved enterprise AI tools and also permits certain individual paid subscriptions and free public AI services, subject to the University’s AI Use Matrix and data classification requirements.

If the tool will process University information, integrate with University systems, or support business operations, consult Information Technology Services before using it.

No.

Student grades are FERPA-protected information and should only be used in accordance with the University’s AI Data Usage Guidelines and approved enterprise AI platforms where permitted.

It depends.

If the notes contain only Public information, they may be used in approved public AI tools.

If they contain Internal or Confidential information, follow the AI Use Matrix and use only approved enterprise AI platforms when permitted.

No.

Authentication secrets should never be entered into any AI platform.

No.

Restricted data must never be entered into AI systems unless specifically authorized.

It depends on the classification of the research and any sponsor, contractual, or regulatory requirements.

Researchers remain responsible for complying with grant, publication, and ethical requirements.

Yes.

Faculty are encouraged to use AI to enhance teaching while ensuring the accuracy, quality, and academic integrity of course content.

It depends on the instructor’s expectations.

Students are responsible for following course-specific AI guidance.

Students should follow instructor expectations and any applicable course or departmental requirements regarding disclosure.

Unless otherwise restricted by an individual faculty member for their course, AI may assist with brainstorming, outlining, editing, and research, but it should not replace your own learning, critical thinking, or original work.

Yes.

AI can assist with drafting emails, but you remain responsible for reviewing the content before sending it.

Yes, provided the meeting information is appropriate for the AI platform being used under the University’s data classification guidelines.

Yes.

AI can assist in drafting documents, but the author remains responsible for validating the content and ensuring compliance with University requirements.

No.

AI is intended to augment—not replace—human expertise and decision-making. Users remain accountable for their work.

Consumer AI platforms may retain, process, or use submitted information differently than approved enterprise AI platforms. Protecting University information is everyone’s responsibility.

No.

An enterprise AI platform offers stronger privacy and security protections than a public AI service, but it does not automatically authorize the use of confidential or regulated University information. The University’s AI Use Matrix determines what types of data may be used with each AI service.

Refer to the University’s Data Classification Guidelines. If you’re unsure, contact Information Technology Services.

Always verify AI-generated content before relying on or sharing it. Users remain responsible for the accuracy of their work

Report the incident to Information Technology Services immediately. Early reporting allows the University to assess risk and determine appropriate next steps.

Approved AI platforms have undergone University review for security, privacy, legal, accessibility, and contractual considerations.

Information Technology Services, in coordination with University stakeholders such as Information Security, Procurement, Legal Counsel, and other offices as appropriate.

Yes.

AI technology is evolving rapidly. These guidelines will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, regulations, and University needs.

Content created while conducting University business may be subject to North Carolina Public Records Law, regardless of whether AI assisted in its creation. Users should retain University records in accordance with applicable records retention requirements

Only as permitted by the University’s AI Use Matrix and Data Classification Guidelines. Public AI accounts should only be used with Public data, while Internal and Confidential information should only be processed in approved environments as authorized.  Please note that if you use a personal AI account to conduct University business, the records you create are likely subject to Public Records laws.