• Section 1 - Purpose and context
• Section 2 - Definitions
• Section 3 - Policy Statement

Section 1 - Purpose and context

(1) This policy guides the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools at the University for the purposes of learning, teaching, assessment, research and administrative functions to benefit students, staff and society.

(2) The policy applies to all students and staff (including casuals, conjoint, adjuncts and other categories of University staff appointments).

(3) This policy should be read in conjunction with Acceptable Use of Digital Services Policy, Assessment Policy, Copyright Policy, Intellectual Property Policy, Learning Technologies Policy, Privacy Policy, Responsible Conduct of Research Policy, Western Sydney University Act 1997 (NSW) and Workplace Surveillance Policy.

Section 2 - Definitions

(4) For the purposes of this policy definitions that apply can be found in the Policy DDS Glossary, in addition to the following:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) means “intelligent technology, programs and the use of advanced computing Algorithms that can augment decision-making by identifying meaningful patterns in data” (NSW AI Assurance Framework definition).
2. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is a wide-ranging term that refers to any form of artificial intelligence capable of generating new content, including text, images, video, audio, or code. (from the New South Wales Government’s Generative AI: Basic Guidance).
3. Algorithm means a series or finite set of instructions built into computer software or systems carried out in a specific order to solve a defined problem or automate decision-making. Algorithms may use AI to produce improved outcomes.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(5) The University is committed to the following regarding excellence and integrity:

1. maintaining its commitment to excellence and integrity in learning, teaching, assessment, research and administrative functions as the applications of AI in university settings evolve.
2. communicating clear guidance to our students and our staff covering expectations around the use of AI technologies in different settings and being explicit where rules or requirements differ according to discipline or role. 

(6) The University is committed to the following regarding innovation:

1. recognising the potential offered by AI for innovation and enhancement in both education and research, as well as in our ways of working.
2. exploring how to best leverage the benefits of AI in line with our commitments to delivering high quality research and teaching and agile ways of working.

(7) The University is committed to the following regarding capacity building:

1. encouraging exploration and innovation in AI technologies and ensuring that our current and future students, HDR candidates and staff have the support they need to become AI fluent.
2. producing graduates with the knowledge and skills to operate effectively and ethically in an AI informed world.
3. fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging its community to stay informed about AI advancements and good practice.

(8) The University is committed to the following regarding collaboration and openness:

1. encouraging multi-disciplinary collaboration between internal and external AI experts, staff, industry partners and accrediting bodies to ensure a holistic approach to AI integration within the overall Western Sydney University experience.
2. involving stakeholders, including students, staff, industry members, technology providers and the wider community, in ongoing discussions about the uses of AI at the University and collaborate with others across the higher education sector to build our critical understanding of the wider implications of AI for society and culture.

(9) The University is committed to the following regarding ethical considerations:

1. ethical AI practices, ensuring that AI systems and processes adhere to principles of equity, fairness, transparency, accountability, and inclusion.
2. establishing clear guidance for the responsible use of AI, addressing equity of access, privacy and confidentiality concerns, potential bias and discrimination, and the impact on user groups and populations with diverse abilities and needs.

(10) The University is committed to the following regarding transparency and explain-ability:

1. expecting transparency in all AI systems deployed within the University, making sure that the decision-making processes of those AI models are understandable, explainable and do not disadvantage students or staff
2. seeking the highest standards of accuracy within how different AI systems operate while openly acknowledging the limitations of those systems
3. providing clear communication to University stakeholders about how AI operates, how AI is being used and the implications of its application at Western Sydney University.

(11) The University is committed to the following regarding data privacy and security:

1. commencing with ‘Security by design’, emphasising the importance of protecting sensitive data and protecting the personal information of individuals
2. educating system users to ensure they understand the risks and the requirements of different AI applications deployed in the University
3. implementing robust security measures to safeguard and monitor AI systems, striving to prevent unauthorised access and only using data in ways that are consistent with our commitments to cybersecurity, privacy, and safety.

(12) The University is committed to the following regarding accountability and governance:

1. establishing clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the development, maintenance, deployment, and monitoring of AI systems
2. adopting governance structures that ensure accountability and oversight in AI-related decision-making processes
3. establishing mechanisms for regularly reviewing and updating AI policies and practices in response to technological developments and emerging ethical considerations, including modern slavery
4. maintaining clear processes for reporting concerns and incidents related to AI use within the University.

(13) The University is committed to the following regarding risk management:

1. acknowledging that AI brings both benefits and risks
2. leveraging our risk assessment procedures to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with AI deployment and utilisation
3. maintaining alignment with appropriate international standards for managing AI-specific risks.

(14) The University is committed to the following regarding sustainability:

1. assessing the environmental impact of AI as part of maintaining our critical engagement with AI as a technology and striving to use AI in ways that are aligned with the University's commitment to sustainability.