AI Guidelines
As AI technology continues to evolve, these guiding principles serve as a foundation for navigating new and exciting opportunities. South 啵啵直播秀 State University recognizes AI as a powerful tool with the potential to shape marketing and communications. By upholding guidelines and promoting responsible use, we can safeguard and strengthen the communications industry.
Background and Context
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to software and machines that perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions and solving complex problems. However, AI tools cannot fully replicate human reasoning, particularly when it comes to moral and ethical considerations. Generative AI, for example, relies on vast amounts of existing data to make predictions rather than producing truly original work, meaning it cannot replace human creativity. While these tools can enhance productivity, they do not replace the need for a human-centered approach at South 啵啵直播秀 State University.
These guidelines are intended for communications and marketing professionals at SDSU. They do not apply to other areas of the university, such as education, classroom settings, IT or chatbots. Instead, they specifically address the use of AI tools for generating content, including text, images, music, video and similar media.
路 Human accountability remains paramount. All AI-generated content must be carefully reviewed, edited, approved and overseen by a human author, editor or designer.
路 Creativity thrives on human knowledge, experience, emotion and imagination. We are committed to exploring and fostering new career opportunities for creative professionals.
路 Communication has the power to educate, influence and drive change. We pledge never to use generative AI to deceive or spread misinformation.
路 Accuracy is essential. We will verify all AI-generated information, recognizing that human fact-checkers play an irreplaceable role in ensuring credibility.
路 AI-generated content may inadvertently incorporate copyrighted material. We will rigorously review and, when necessary, modify AI outputs to prevent plagiarism.
路 Transparency in AI usage is crucial to maintaining trust with our audiences and stakeholders.
Examples of Acceptable AI Use
The AI landscape is constantly evolving, making it impossible to list all permissible or prohibited use cases. These examples, along with the guiding principles, provide direction and will be updated as technology, legal considerations and policies change.
In this context, 鈥渃ontent鈥 is broadly defined and includes articles, press releases, feature stories, websites, web content, podcasts, videos, licensed apparel and merchandise, and similar materials.
- Brainstorming Story Ideas 鈥 AI can generate fresh ideas, offer alternative perspectives, and provide constructive feedback on content concepts.
- Creating Outlines 鈥 AI can help structure content into a cohesive format.
- Editorial Calendar and Content Planning 鈥 AI can assist in organizing and planning content and social media calendars.
- Enhancing Headers, Headlines and Navigation 鈥 AI tools can identify common themes and suggest draft ideas for headlines, subheads, website headers and SEO-friendly tags.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 鈥 AI can assist with keyword research, readability analysis and other SEO factors to improve content performance.
- Drafting Social Media Posts 鈥 AI can provide a starting point for social media content and help tailor messaging for different audiences. However, all AI-generated content should be reviewed and refined by a human.
- Research Assistance 鈥 AI can quickly summarize concepts or topics but must not be solely relied upon for factual accuracy. All AI-generated research must be verified by a human, as AI tools can produce misinformation.
- Personalizing Messaging 鈥 AI can help refine content for different audiences (students, staff, faculty, donors, media) by suggesting language adjustments and targeted messages.
- Anticipating Questions and Objections 鈥 AI can simulate potential stakeholder concerns, helping teams prepare well-informed responses.
- Editing Assistance 鈥 AI can provide guidance on writing styles such as AP or Chicago style but may not have access to the latest versions or South 啵啵直播秀 State University editorial guidelines.
- Serving as a Thesaurus 鈥 AI tools can suggest alternative words or phrases to improve clarity and readability.
- Enhancing Productivity 鈥 If privacy policies are followed, AI can assist with tasks such as summarizing interviews, analyzing data, drafting outlines and creating presentation content. However, AI should not be relied upon exclusively, especially for sensitive communications.
- Refining Content 鈥 AI can identify areas for trimming lengthy content but should not be trusted to modify direct quotes or factual information without human review.
- Improving Images 鈥 Content-aware fill tools in Photoshop, Canva and similar software can be used for minor edits to images owned by the university. These tools should assist creativity rather than replace it and must not alter the context or integrity of an image.
- Extending an image 鈥揑mage extension using Photoshop鈥檚 generative AI tool can be used to extend nondescript textural or blurred backgrounds to make it work for a specific format. Example: a portrait where the subject is standing in front of a shrub. Extending an image where a fixed piece of architecture or the subject is extended is not permitted.
- AI-Powered Photo Enhancements 鈥 Light edits such as improving headshots are permissible but should be used sparingly to maintain authenticity.
AI tools are assistive, not autonomous 鈥 they support but do not replace human involvement. This list is not exhaustive, and all AI-generated content must be carefully reviewed and approved by a human before use.
Privacy and Data Protection
AI tools are not encrypted or private. Do not input proprietary data, student or employee information, patient records or any other sensitive details that could breach state or federal privacy laws, including HIPAA, FERPA or other university policies. Information submitted to many AI platforms may become public and part of the tool鈥檚 knowledge base
Content Creation Restrictions
- AI should not be used to generate entire written pieces. While it can assist with brainstorming, drafting headlines and refining messaging, fully AI-generated content is prohibited at this time.
- AI-generated research should not be accepted at face value. These tools can 鈥渉allucinate,鈥 producing inaccurate but seemingly credible facts and sources. Human oversight is required for all research, content creation and verification.
Restrictions on AI-Generated Media
- The use of AI-generated images, music, audio, and video 鈥 even if used to add objects to a university-owned asset鈥 and including use for social media, is prohibited in any official university communications. The legality of AI-generated media is under ongoing legal review, and ethical concerns remain unresolved.
- AI can assist in brainstorming creative concepts but should not replace original artistic work. Some artists have taken legal action against companies for using AI-generated art derived from their work, raising significant copyright risks.
- The use of AI-generated images is strictly prohibited on all licensed apparel and merchandise.
Organizations using AI-generated content have faced legal challenges, including demands for compensation. Until legal and ethical clarity is established, AI-generated media must not be used in university materials including licensed product.
