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Generative Artificial Intelligence General Use Guidelines

Last updated: March 26, 2025

The University supports the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) when helpful to further its mission. These GenAI Use Guidelines provide general guidance for the UW community and can help you use GenAI responsibly by aligning with UW’s values and privacy principles.

Depending on your use case, additional policies may apply:

Key Takeaways

  • Only UW-approved services and applications (UWare) 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.
  • Do not install or utilize GenAI tools without prior review and approval, unless in controlled or air-gapped research environments.
  • All interactions with GenAI must comply with all relevant UW policies and standards.
  • Complimentary training, tool review, architectural guidance, and security assessments are available via the UW Information Technology AI initiatives website.
  • You are ultimately responsible and accountable for your use of GenAI and all outcomes derived from it.
  • These GenAI guidelines will be regularly updated. Join the UW AI Community of Practice for news and more.
UW Generative AI Policy

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 GenAI guidelines specific 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 should enhance—not replace—human judgment, particularly in decision-making affecting individuals or communities.
  • Avoid GenAI use cases that may reinforce inappropriate biases or create barriers for underrepresented groups.

  • Disclosing GenAI use is 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 TrustArc personal data inventory.
  • 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. A list of approved GenAI is available in the UWare Catalog.
  • If using 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: