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Generative Artificial Intelligence General Use Guidelines

Last updated: August 6, 2025

The University supports the responsible use of generative AI (GenAI) when helpful to further its mission, the preservation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge. These guidelines provide general advice for the UW community and can help you use GenAI responsibly by aligning with UW’s values and privacy principles.

Additional GenAI resources based on use case:

Key Takeaways

  • Only UW-approved services and applications may be used with University data. The use of unapproved services, applications, and the unauthorized release of university data could result in violations of policy or law for which you or the University may be liable. UW-IT can review tools and use cases to help inform unit decisions about whether to approve a service or application.
  • All use of GenAI must comply with all relevant UW policies and standards.
  • Complimentary training, tool review, architectural guidance, and security assessments are available via the UW-IT AI website.
  • You are ultimately responsible and accountable for your use of GenAI and all outcomes derived from it.

  • UW’s Appropriate Use Policy and related security and privacy policies apply to the use of all technologies, including GenAI.
  • Students must adhere to policies and rules applicable to their course or project. Course instructors have the discretion to allow, prohibit, or put parameters around the use of GenAI.

  • You must review GenAI output before using or publishing it and are responsible for any harm caused by your use of GenAI.
  • GenAI may enhance—but does not replace—human judgment, particularly in decision-making affecting individuals or communities.
  • Avoid GenAI use that may reinforce inappropriate biases or create barriers for underrepresented groups.

  • Disclosing GenAI use is often advisable and may be mandatory; failure to do so may have serious consequences, particularly in published research or coursework.
  • Maintain detailed records of GenAI use, especially when personal data is involved. Document relevant processes in the
  • Ensure compliance with records protection and preservation laws, including Records Management Services AI Guidance.

  • Data that is not intended for public dissemination should be used with GenAI only after those GenAI have been formally reviewed and approved by UW-IT.
  • If GenAI for high-risk processes like hiring, admissions, or performance evaluations, contact uwprivacy@uw.edu for a privacy impact assessment.

Report suspected security and privacy incidents immediately: