928-523-2230
provost@nau.eduArtificial intelligence resources
Overview
Artificial intelligence technologies are tools efficient at analyzing and extrapolating information from large-scale data sets. Generative artificial intelligence tools stand out for their ability to create text and other forms of media that appear unique. Generative AI has already shown potential to transform how we teach and work—and is likely to continue doing so in the future. As these technologies evolve, NAU aims to stay informed and engaged in discussions about the applications of AI within the university.
Foundations
Our work with these technologies is aligned with larger principles about higher education’s role in preparing for the continued expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities. These principles are articulated in the Higher Education’s Essential Role in Preparing Humanity for the Artificial Intelligence Revolution statement issued during the 18th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum in October 2023 in Kyoto, Japan.
We are proud to have joined as signatories for this statement’s initial issue, represented by President José Luis Cruz Rivera. We encourage everyone to review the complete statement, and we share only its top-level principles here:
- People, not technology, must be at the center of our work.
- We should promote digital inclusion within and beyond our institutions.
- Digital and information literacy is an essential part of a core education.
- AI tools should enhance teaching and learning.
- Learning about technologies is an experiential, lifelong process.
- AI research and development must be done responsibly.
Academic guidelines
Artificial intelligence resources for students
Guidelines and information for students regarding the use of generative AI technologies in coursework.
Artificial intelligence resources for faculty
Information and resources for faculty and instructors when approaching AI in instruction and course materials.
Supported AI tools
Microsoft Copilot
NAU’s enterprise partnership with Microsoft provides NAU users access to the Microsoft Copilot service,1 a generative AI chatbot approved for use within the university under the guidelines of allowed use.
Microsoft Copilot for the web is free for NAU students, faculty, and staff. To access Copilot, NAU users can navigate to copilot.microsoft.com and log in using their NAU credentials. Users may be asked to complete a Duo authentication prompt to access the service.
Copilot & M365 Integration Licensing
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an add-on service from Microsoft that brings Copilot’s functionality directly into your Microsoft 365 applications. Whereas Copilot for Web is an interactive chat, Copilot for Microsoft 365 brings the Copilot service into your apps to get insights on the information and data you’re working on.
You can learn more about the full functionality of extended Copilot licensing on the Microsoft. To purchase the licensing required to access Copilot for Microsoft 365, visit ITS’ Copilot.
Copilot resources from Microsoft
Microsoft Copilot resources for students
Microsoft’s official collection of resources, videos, tutorials, and more on using Microsoft Copilot for education.
Microsoft Copilot Official Collection
Microsoft Copilot for educators
Microsoft’s official compilation of resources for using Microsoft Copilot for teaching and education.
Microsoft Copilot for Educators
Craft effective prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot
A 4-part interactive learning module from Microsoft that teaches users how to craft powerful and effective prompts with Copilot.
Resources
Cline Library generative AI guide
A high-level synopsis on generative AI and information for faculty and students can be found in the library’s generative AI guide.
Generative AI in Education Task Force report
Broad recommendations on responding to the emergence of GenAI technologies for faculty and academic leaders can be found in the Generative AI in Education task force report, published in June 2023.
Generative AI Microsoft Team site
Available to all Northern Arizona University faculty and staff, the Generative AI @ NAU Microsoft Teams portal allows users to ask questions and contribute to the conversation.
Protecting NAU data
When using generative AI tools, even under the allowance of acceptable use, never share any sensitive university information. NAU’s data classification policy outlines which types of university data are considered “sensitive.” Any data above a Level 2 classification2 should not be shared with generative AI tools.
Third-party privacy policies and statements
NAU users looking to use generative AI tools should also read and understand the terms of use and privacy policies of popular artificial intelligence tools. For additional information on popular third-party policies, you can review Microsoft’s privacy statement on Copilot and OpenAI’s Privacy Policy on ChatGPT.
1. Microsoft Copilot is a large-language model (LLM) built on Open AI’s ChatGPT technology.
2. Level 2 Data is information that is not generally available to the public. Level 2 data includes information such as prospective student records, financial or budgetary data of the university, network infrastructure diagrams, architectural blueprints of university buildings, NAU usernames, and similar types of information.