Initial Guidelines for the use of Generative AI tools at Del Mar College

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can learn from and mimic large amounts of data to create content such as text, images, music, videos, code, and more, based on inputs or prompts. The College supports responsible use of Generative AI tools. There are important considerations to keep in mind when using these tools, including information security and data privacy, compliance, copyright, and academic integrity.

Faculty and staff that would like to utilize AI tools for instruction or productivity are encouraged to contact DMC Information Technology. IT can assist in procuring and setting up AI tools, and provide guidance on usage requirements and best practices. For more information, submit your questions using this contact form.

Protect confidential data

You should not enter data classified as confidential (non-public research data, finance, HR, student records, medical information, etc.) into publicly-available Generative AI tools, in accordance with the College's Information Security Policy. Information shared with Generative AI tools using default settings is not private and could expose proprietary or sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

Confidential data must only be entered into Generative AI tools that have been assessed and approved for such use by Del Mar College. Please see the DMC Data Classification Policy to learn more about the appropriate use of College data.

Consider the following best practices for using data with AI tools:

• Avoid using data about the College or others that you wouldn't want to be made public
• Avoid using any sensitive data (e.g., financial information, personnel records, security information, etc.) with a third-party AI tool
• Opt-out of sharing data to be used for AI training/learning data sets
• Only use DMC-approved third-party AI tools and integrations
• Maintain transparency and provide citations for any AI-generated content

Review content before publication

AI-generated content can be inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated (sometimes called “hallucinations”) or may contain copyrighted material. You are responsible for any content that you publish that includes AI-generated material and should seek guidance/approval prior to publishing AI-generated content for public access.

Adhere to existing academic policy

Review the College's student and faculty handbooks and policies. Faculty should be clear with students they’re teaching and advising about their policies on permitted uses, if any, of Generative AI in classes and on academic work. Students are also encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification about these policies as needed.

Please see Del Mar College's Manual of Policies and Procedures Chapter VII Student Services A7.13.7.7 Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Created Work for more information.

DMC Information Technology has compiled a list of AI detector tools for use by faculty and academic departments.

Be alert for phishing

Generative AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create sophisticated phishing emails and “deepfakes” (i.e., video or audio intended to convincingly mimic a person’s voice or physical appearance without their consent) at a far greater scale. Continue to follow security best practices and report suspicious messages to the Cyber Security Team or Viking Help Desk.

Connect with DMC IT before procuring generative AI tools

Additionally, the College is working to ensure that tools procured on behalf of Del Mar College have the appropriate privacy and security protections and provide the best use of College funds.

• If you have procured or are considering procuring generative AI tools or have questions, contact DMC IT at vikinghelpdesk@delmar.edu or read more about tools currently available or coming soon.
• Vendor generative AI tools must be assessed for risk by Del Mar College's Information Technology Division prior to use.