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Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term for computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence—such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, learning from experience, and making decisions. Instead of following only fixed, step-by-step instructions, many AI systems use data and algorithms to identify relationships, improve over time, and generate useful outputs like predictions, recommendations, or written and visual content.
For more details on the proper use of AI, refer to BT0035-Policy on Artificial Intelligence, the UTM Acceptable Use Policy, and the Policy on Artificial Intelligence from Academic Affairs.
AI Tools Managed by UT
UT AI Hub: A Generative AI (GenAI) gateway providing access to ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and others in a secure environment.
UT Verse: A collection of AI tools developed by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, including UT Verse: AI Assistant and the UTVersal Translator.
Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft’s AI-powered chat platform for searching for information, creating content, and communicating with others.
Fact Check Your Information
AI outputs may sound confident but can be incomplete, outdated, or wrong. It is your responsibility to validate any important information by checking reliable sources (original documents, peer-reviewed research, official websites, or qualified experts) and verifying quotes, statistics, and citations before using, sharing, or publishing it.
AI Security Considerations
Public AI models (especially web-based chatbots and generative tools) can be powerful, but they also introduce security risks when used with sensitive information. Anything you type, upload, or paste into a public tool may be stored, logged, reviewed, or used to improve systems depending on the provider’s policies—and it may be accessible to people outside your organization through misconfiguration, breaches, or unintended sharing.
Key concerns include exposure of confidential data (student records, personnel information, research data, contracts, credentials), accidental disclosure through generated outputs, and “prompt injection” attacks where malicious text in a document or webpage tries to trick the model into revealing private content or taking unsafe actions. There’s also risk in connecting AI tools to email, cloud drives, or internal systems: if permissions are too broad, an AI app can become a new pathway for data leakage.
As a best practice, avoid entering sensitive or regulated information into public AI tools, use UT approved AI tools, and treat AI outputs as untrusted until verified. When in doubt, refer to the following AI Matrix to guide data-entry decisions.
Incorporating AI in Your Teaching
Faculty looking to integrate AI into their courses, syllabi, or assessments can reach out to the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) directly at ctl@utm.edu or submit a consultation request using the link below.
AI in Teaching Consultation Request – Fill out form
The CTL provides consultations, workshops, and faculty development programming focused on AI pedagogy and implementation. This fall, the CTL will also be launching the Effective Teaching with AI Certification for UTM faculty.
Useful Links
UT AI Hub
UT AI Hub Getting Started
Guidance Chart for Using AI
Guidance on AI Adoption in the Classroom
UT Policy on Artificial Intelligence