Our Vision for AI
At the Universities of Wisconsin, we view artificial intelligence as a powerful tool to enhance learning, research, and operational efficiency—when used thoughtfully and ethically.
We are committed to fostering a culture of responsible AI exploration that aligns with our mission of academic excellence, accessibility, and public service. As AI evolves, so does our commitment to equipping staff, faculty, and students with the necessary tools, training, and guidance to utilize it effectively and safely.
“AI is not a replacement for human insight—it’s an accelerator of it.”
Before getting started, please familiarize yourself with our Statement on Generative AI and Acceptable Use
The following AI tools have commercial data protection agreements in place and are approved for use, licensed and managed by Universities of Wisconsin.
Enterprise AI
Microsoft Copilot
What it does: AI-powered digital assistant for answering questions, creative writing, coding assistance, and image creation. When you log in with your UW employee credentials, Copilot provides commercial data protection – your prompts and data are not used to train AI models and are covered under Enterprise Data Protection.
Microsoft Copilot is currently the only generative AI tool with data protection for the UW System.
How to get started:
Access Copilot at copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with your UW credentials
For more information on Copilot, check out this resource on the difference between the free and paid version.
Zoom AI Companion
What it does: Automatically creates meeting summaries, identifies action items, and answers questions about meeting content.
Data classifications allowed: Public, internal, and sensitive data. Secure Zoom is also approved for restricted data, including HIPAA and FERPA-protected information. Check out this article for more information.
Important: Any AI transcription service used in UW meetings creates records subject to Wisconsin open records laws.
How to get started:
- Enable AI Companion in your Zoom settings
Non-Enterprise Tools
Data classified as low risk, under UW Administrative policy SYS 1031, Information Security: Data Classification and Protection, can be freely used with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, etc. They are is ok when using public information or when no institutional data is shared.
What You Can Use Public LLMs For:
| Use Case | Examples |
|---|---|
| Brainstorming | Ideas for workshops, policy outlines, and student engagement campaigns |
| Drafting & Editing | Help with drafting emails, reports, social media posts, FAQ articles (as long as nothing is confidential) |
| Rewording for Tone | Making something more concise, formal, clear, or friendly |
| Explaining Concepts | “Explain FERPA like I’m 5” or “What is a data flow diagram?” |
| Creating Templates | Help with drafting emails, reports, social media posts, and FAQ articles (as long as nothing is confidential) |
| Coding Help | “How do I write a SQL query that filters duplicates?” (no sensitive data!) |
What Not to Use Public LLMs For:
| Not Ok | Why |
|---|---|
| Pasting student records, names, IDs | Violates FERPA and data privacy |
| Uploading confidential reports | No institutional agreement = no data protection |
| Internal project docs or vendor contracts | Risk of unintended data exposure |
| Making automated decisions about people | AI is a co-pilot, not the pilot |
If you are interested in using AI with more protected or sensitive data, please talk with your leadership or check out our guide on using Copilot.
AI News and Initiatives at the Universities of Wisconsin
Our universities are utilizing AI extensively across the state. Learn more about what UW is doing by checking out our AI News and Initiatives page for more information.
Quick Links
AI at a Glance
- AI Prompt LibraryThis is your quick-reference library of ready-to-use AI prompts for common workplace tasks at the… Read more: AI Prompt Library
- AI Literacy 101: What Every Professional Should Know in 2025The artificial intelligence revolution isn’t coming—it’s here. From the research assistant helping draft emails to… Read more: AI Literacy 101: What Every Professional Should Know in 2025
- Using AI Responsibly at the Universities of Wisconsin“What can I actually use AI for—and how do I avoid getting myself in trouble?”… Read more: Using AI Responsibly at the Universities of Wisconsin
Join the AI Community of Practice
What we offer:
Monthly webinars, demos, and peer-to-peer case sharing
Support from analysts and technologists across UW
Read MoreAI Resources & Articles
Stay up to date with trends, ethical frameworks, and success stories
Crafting Thoughtful AI Policy in Higher Education
Requiring Students to Train in AI
Making AI Generative for Higher Education
Artificial Intelligence on LinkedIn Learning
Tips for Responsible Use
- If in doubt, strip out sensitive details and ask generalized questions.
- Treat AI as a thought partner, not a decision-maker.
- Assume anything you input is visible externally, unless you’re using a licensed instance with data protection agreements.
- Cite any final content or policies to approved institutional sources.