Embracing an
AI University
Today’s AI encompass modern academic and consumer-based generative AI tools which are being developed faster than ever before. As a leader in innovation and technology, FIU strives to provide our students, faculty and employees with the fundamental AI learning, teaching and operational tools to enhance overall student, faculty and research experience.
Overview
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. As AI continues to advance, it raises ethical and societal considerations, such as privacy concerns, job displacement, and the responsible use of AI systems.
Technologies like image recognition and classification are built on artificial intelligence at their core. AI is also transforming decision-making processes – such as predicting traffic light patterns or anticipating when your morning coffee will be ready.
Across industries ranging from finance to healthcare, artificial intelligence plays a significant role. Everyday applications include facial recognition, smart vehicles, mobile digital assistants, social and entertainment apps, online banking, and e-commerce platforms.
Statistics
97% of mobile users are using AI-powered voice assistants
83% of companies claim that AI is a top priority in their business plans
AI market size is expected to grow by at least 120% year-over-year
FIU’s Core Principles for the use of AI
Enhance FIU’s AI technological footprint.
Teaching & Learning
Use of AI Applications for Education
When using and acquiring AI-powered systems or applications, it’s critical to follow a thorough review process that includes evaluating the tool’s purpose, functionality, data usage, and alignment with FIU’s goals and privacy policies.
Below we’ve organized some resources to help Faculty and Students in the critical evaluation of AI for teaching and learning.
Technology Evaluation Group (TEG)
Resources for FIU approved AI (and other) technologies, policies, FAQs and other useful information.
Artificial Intelligence Now
FIU Libraries’ AI Repository. A guide to AI information related to libraries and literacy, equipping students and educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the power of AI responsibly and effectively.
Prohibited Technologies List
FIU IT Security’s list of prohibited technologies.
Evaluating AI Tools
Important questions to ask include:
- What data does the system collect and how is it stored?
- Is the data shared with third parties?
- How does the AI make decisions, and is the process transparent and explainable?
- Does the vendor comply with relevant security and privacy regulations?
- Are there risks of bias or misuse?
Use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and others should be done with caution. These AI models retain data provided by users. As such, any data provided to the AI model becomes public data.
Faculty Resources
Integrating AI in Your Course
The Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) provides FIU faculty with many services to assist their teaching and student learning, including the integration of AI within your course!
See the options offered below:
The Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) provides a variety of faculty development opportunities to all members of the FIU teaching community.
CAT Programming
CAT Resources
Student Resources
There are a growing number of AI learning opportunities for FIU students. Please check back regularly as this list will continue to grow.
AI-Focused Programs, Microcredentials/Badges & Courses at FIU
Programs Offered in Electrical and Computing Engineering
- MS in Applied AI & IoT
- MS in Computer Engineering Security (Online) – Focus on AI for Cyber & Cyber for AI
- MS in Enterprise Logistics Engineering (Online) with Focus on Applied AI (Coming Soon)
- BS in Applied AI & IoT
- BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering with AI Concentration
Programs Offered in Computing and Information Sciences
Programs Offered in the College of Business
- BBA in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Information Systems – Business Analytics Track
- Business Analytics MBA
- Professional MBA – Business Analytics Specialization
- Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics
- Master of Science in Data Science and AI – Business Analytics Track (in collaboration with the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences)
FIU AI Badges/Microcredentials
- AI for Business – College of Business
- Artificial Intelligence: How it Works and its Impact – Academic Affairs
- Thinking and Communicating with Data – Academic Affairs
Additional Offerings
Artificial Intelligence in Crime Analysis and Detection – Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences
CIERTA | Education
Student Security
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential for university research, but its adoption must be accompanied by stringent measures to ensure data security and privacy. Below are key guidelines and considerations for using AI responsibly in academic research. It is also important to only use products that have been vetted and approved for use at FIU.
Visit the TEG website to research approved software vendors →
AI & Student Conduct
Any questions related to student conduct or the honor code please reach directly out to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI).
At FIU, the use of generated content submitted as original work is considered plagiarism. As stated in the Student Conduct and Honor Code (Section 6, article ix):
“[Plagiarism is defined as] the submission of any work authored by another person or generated by an automated tool without proper acknowledgement of the source, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near-verbatim form.”
Research
Responsibility in AI Research
AI is a powerful tool for advancing FIU’s research but must be used responsibly across all disciplines. By adhering to a set of guidelines—focusing on data security, ethical practices, and institutional oversight—FIU can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding sensitive information and upholding academic integrity.
FIU is working towards creating a variety of area-workgroups that will provide the necessary guidance, direction and oversight for responsible use of artificial intelligence in research.
Top 5 Industries with AI Job Growth
Technology
Cybersecurity
Finance
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Data Security and Privacy
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential for university research, but its adoption must be accompanied by stringent measures to ensure data security and privacy. Below are key guidelines and considerations for using AI responsibly in academic research.
Data Privacy and Security Best Practices
Understand Data Privacy Regulations
Researchers must comply with relevant regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or FERPA. Institutions should provide clear guidance on these requirements.
Data Minimization and Anonymization
Limit the data shared with AI models to the minimum required for analysis. Anonymize personally identifiable information (PII) to prevent misuse.
For researchers submitting proposals that include the collection and retention of data, the IRB Frequently Asked Questions site provides helpful answers and guidance.
Secure Deployment
Use secure, private cloud environments or on-premises servers to host AI tools, reducing exposure to external threats.
Encryption
Ensure all data transmissions to and from AI systems are encrypted using robust protocols. Employ secure channels like VPNs for added protection.
Access Control
Implement strict access controls, including role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication, to restrict who can interact with sensitive data or AI systems.
Ethical Use of AI in Research
Transparency
Disclose the use of AI in research processes, including its role in data analysis, literature reviews, or other tasks. Ensure that outputs are verified by human oversight to avoid inaccuracies or biases.
Accountability
Researchers remain responsible for their work, regardless of AI involvement. This includes ensuring ethical compliance and the accuracy of results.
Bias Mitigation
Be aware of potential biases in AI models and take steps to address them, especially when analyzing sensitive or diverse datasets.
Applications of AI in University Research
Literature Reviews
AI tools can streamline the process of identifying relevant studies, extracting insights, and summarizing findings. However, researchers must verify results due to risks like fabricated citations.
Data Analysis
Generative AI can analyze large datasets efficiently but should only be used with verified and cleaned data to avoid privacy breaches.
Collaborative Tools
Use AI for brainstorming, editing, and formatting research outputs while ensuring compliance with institutional privacy policies.
Institutional Guidelines
Approved Tools Only
FIU recommends that researchers use vetted AI tools that meet FIU’s security and privacy standards. Free public tools may lack adequate protections and should not be used for sensitive research tasks.
- Resources for FIU approved AI (and other) technologies, policies, FAQs and other useful information.
Visit The TEG Page - The Department of Management Services has issued of list of prohibited applications, based on Section 112.22, Florida Statutes.
Prohibited Applications List on MyFlorida.com
Periodic Audits
Regularly review AI systems to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and institutional policies.
Training Program
Researchers should be informed and trained on the ethical use of AI, focusing on its limitations, potential risks, and proper integration into academic workflows.
Addressing Broader Risks
Data Scraping Concern
Avoid using datasets obtained through unauthorized scraping of private information. Always ensure informed consent when collecting data from individuals.
For researchers submitting proposals that include the collection and retention of data, the IRB site provides helpful answers and guidance. https://research.fiu.edu/irb/faqs/
Federated Learning & Differential Privacy
Explore advanced techniques like federated learning (training models locally without centralizing data) and differential privacy (adding noise to data) to protect individual privacy while enabling meaningful insights.
Technology & Innovation
Copilot is an advanced AI-powered assistant developed by Microsoft, designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows for users across various platforms. Integrating cutting-edge machine learning and natural language processing, Copilot is a versatile tool that assists users in writing, coding, and performing complex tasks with greater efficiency. While Microsoft offers a free version of Copilot, FIU’s M365 Copilot licenses extend the functionality and use of generative AI.
Copilot is the only approved tool at FIU for the safe use of FIU data. Please ensure that you use Copilot for all your data-related tasks to maintain security and compliance.
For inquiries about accessing FIU M365 Copilot, please email it@fiu.edu.
The initiative, which began in late 2023, focuses on developing AI services in variety of AI platforms and technologies, from Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and OpenAI. Additionally, the proof-of-concept will:
- Design and develop use cases with FIU data
- Testing scenarios for different types of users
- Focus on AI and analytics for administrative benefits
- Includes generative AI prompts for frequently asked questions
- Determine a continuous improvement of relative technologies over time
The goal of FIU’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Refresh initiave is to develop and brand an AI platform for our students, faculty, staff, and will provide the following benefits:
- Building AI Clusters for faculty, researchers, and students
- On-premises use for curriculum development and research
- Potential OpenAI integration for on-demand use
- Minimizing per license fee and overall costs
Business Processes
The Division of Information Technology, along with other academic, administrative and research teams on campus are working towards defining and procuring a comprehensive set of purpose-built AI tools for students, faculty and staff.
Use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and others should be done with caution. These AI models retain data provided by users for training their models and engineering enhancements. As such, any employee information, financial data or other institutional information provided to the AI model becomes public data.
If you have any questions or concerns around the use of academic, employee or research data in combination with consumer-based AI applications, please contact the FIU IT Security Office at itso@fiu.edu.
When procuring AI-powered systems or applications, it’s essential to follow a thorough review process that includes evaluating the tool’s purpose, functionality, data usage, and alignment with institutional goals and privacy policies.
Key questions to ask include:
- What data does the system collect and how is it stored?
- Is the data shared with third parties?
- How does the AI make decisions, and is the process transparent and explainable?
- Does the vendor comply with relevant security and privacy regulations?
- Are there risks of bias or misuse?
Involving FIU IT, Technology Evaluation Group, General Counsel, Compliance and data privacy teams in the review ensures responsible and ethical AI adoption.
Resources
Resources
FIU’s partnership with LinkedIn Learning provides all Panthers with access to thousands of AI courses and even offers certain certifications!
Microsoft Copilot training offers a free, in-depth online training into effectively using and extending the compatibility of Copilot for academic and administrate purpose. For inquiries about accessing FIU M365 Copilot, please email it@fiu.edu.
Events
FAQs
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to a class of artificial intelligence systems that have the ability to generate new content, whether it be text, images, audio, or other forms of data. These systems are trained on large datasets and learn patterns and structures within the data, enabling them to create new, realistic content on their own.
What is a Large Language Model (LLM)?
A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence that is trained to understand and generate human language. LLMs read and analyze large amounts of data (books, websites, articles and other sources of data), learns patterns on how to write and speak and, ultimately, responds to prompts, answers questions, writes essays, translates languages, generate codes and much more.
LLMs in the market:
- Open AI ChatGPT
- Google Gemini
- Anthropic Claude
- Meta’s LLaMA
- Mistral
There are also companies like Perplexity that directly connect and integrate searches and inquieries to other LLMs like OpenAI’s GPT-4, Claude and LLaMA.
Are there any privacy or personal data-related concerns around Generative AI?
Other concerns involve data security, compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, and the ethical collection and usage of personal data. Many users are unaware that their input may be stored and used to improve AI models, raising transparency and consent issues. If AI models are trained on biased data, they can perpetuate discrimination and make unfair predictions. Mitigating these risks requires transparency about data use, user control over shared information, stronger regulations, and security measures to protect sensitive data.
If you have any questions or concerns around the use of academic, employee or research data in combination with consumer-based AI applications, please contact the FIU IT Security Office at itso@fiu.edu.
What AI and non-AI applications are prohibited from being used at FIU?
The Department of Management Services has issued of list of prohibited applications, based on Section 112.22, Florida Statutes.
Prohibited Applications List on MyFlorida.com
As a student, can I use ChatGPT for my classes?
As a professor, whom should I contact for any generative AI or AI tools-related questions?
How can I get access to Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is only available for FIU faculty and staff. If you are interested in a license, please email it@fiu.edu.
Tools & Resources
