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Generative AI Policy

Responsible Use of Generative AI Tools

Hawai’i Pacific University acknowledges that generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools, such as ChatGPT and other large language models, are increasingly available to students. While these tools may offer benefits for learning and productivity, students must understand the risks associated with their use, including the potential for generating inaccurate, biased, or misleading information, as well as issues related to confidentiality and intellectual property. 

Students are expected to comply with the following guidelines when using AI tools in connection with their academic work or university activities.

  • The use of generative AI tools to complete any academic exercise — including assignments, papers, examinations, speeches, and other coursework — is prohibited unless an instructor for a given course has specifically authorized such use. Authorization by one instructor does not extend to other courses; students must obtain explicit, clear permission from each individual instructor and must use AI tools only in the manner and to the extent permitted. Unauthorized use of AI tools constitutes cheating under the Academic Integrity Policy and may result in sanctions up to and including expulsion.

  • Students must not input any confidential or sensitive information into AI tools, including but not limited to student records, personal data of others, information protected under FERPA, passwords, or any material subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

  • Students must independently verify the accuracy of any information generated by an AI tool before relying on it or submitting it as part of an academic exercise, and should request and confirm sources when the AI tool provides citations.

  • When students are permitted to use AI tools, they must disclose that their work was created, in whole or in part, with AI assistance, and must follow any disclosure requirements set by the course instructor.

  • Students must not download AI software to university-owned devices or agree to software licenses without university authorization, consistent with the Network and Computing Usage Agreement.

  • Students should exercise caution when using third-party interfaces or plugins for AI services, as these may not meet University security standards and may be developed by non-approved entities. 

Questions regarding this policy may be directed to help@hpu.edu. This policy will be reviewed regularly given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology. Students are responsible for reviewing updates to this policy.