Artificial Intelligence at UQ
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance the way staff and students work and study at UQ.
Despite these benefits, the introduction of AI poses several risks if managed poorly or misused.
Staff and students are expected to understand their role in responsibly using and applying AI while at UQ.
Data and privacy
Staff should always use UQ approved file storage to ensure information is secure and meets UQ’s regulatory requirements, while implementing sensitivity labels and M365 file sharing controls to manage and restrict access to M365 files.
Per UQ's data handling procedure, staff should:
- not input personal information into any AI platform/tool without seeking consent
- not input sensitive or protected information into any AI platform/tool.
UQ has a legal obligation to protect the privacy of its staff, students and wider community. However, many AI platforms/tools do not meet UQ’s requirements regarding protecting personal information and may:
- transfer personal information outside Australia
- use personal information (or other sensitive information) for other purposes (such as training AI technology)
- share personal information (or other sensitive information) with third parties
- undertake data-matching activities – combining information collected about an individual with other information received from third parties such as data or marketing partners (e.g. demographic or interest attributes).
Staff should also be aware UQ data is subject to Queensland’s Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act). This act creates a right of access, subject to limited exceptions, to UQ information and documentation including information generated using AI tools such as meeting transcriptions or minutes.
Cyber security
Similar to other cloud-based IT services, many AI platforms/tools do not meet UQ security standards and may store information which could later be breached. Security assessments must be performed on all AI cloud services in use at UQ. Where feasible it is recommended to make use of existing approved services such as Microsoft Copilot.
Downloading software
UQ software catalogue
UQ provides software for academic, research and administrative use through the UQ software catalogue. Please check the catalogue before obtaining additional AI software.
Purchasing or requesting software
All new AI software requests – including free software – must be reviewed and approved by UQ. You can make a request by completing the Software Procurement Form.
Your request will either be:
- approved
- approved with conditions
- denied.
Please review the Software Approval List before making a request as the software may already be pre-approved or denied.
Note: each request, even if they relate to the same software, is judged on a case-by-case basis.
AI software recommendation
If your AI software is approved, it is recommended that you turn off its AI model training feature before installation / use to protect your, and UQ’s, data ownership.
AI in use at UQ
Microsoft Copilot
Copilot is a software application that can interact with users using natural language. It can be accessed through various channels, such as websites, mobile apps, messaging platforms, or voice assistants.
Copilot can help you with various tasks, such as:
- searching for relevant information on the web
- generating content such as summaries, presentations and code
- rewriting, improving, or optimizing your existing content
- creating or drawing images based on your descriptions.
When using Copilot, do not input:
- personal information without seeking consent
- sensitive or protected information.
Copilot is the recommended Artificial intelligence tool at UQ.
Teaching, learning, and assessment with Generative AI
AI can be a powerful tool when used right. But it also has a range of limitations - it can produce work which is incorrect, biased, opaque, or simply nonsense. It is up to staff and students to ensure that these tools are used for the right purpose.
The Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (ITaLI) have a dedicated page on Teaching, learning, and assessment with Generative AI that may have more helpful information. The Library also has a page that talks about how students can use AI responsibly at UQ.
Training
Systems Training Hub
The Systems Training Hub will be constantly updated and serves as a valuable reference point for many supported systems at UQ, including the use of Copilot and the Microsoft platform.
LinkedIn Learning
all staff and students have access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers modules to help users understand what AI is and how they could benefit from it, training on the ethical use of AI, prompt engineering, and managing risk.
Digital Essentials: Artificial Intelligence module
UQ's Digital Essentials: Artificial Intelligence module introduces the different types of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the implications of AI for society and what AI research is being done at UQ.