Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy Emerging Guidelines
Summary
Updated: October 1, 2025
Based on feedback received prior to September 25, 2025
Thank you to everyone for submitting their inquiries through the GenAI Policy Feedback form. We want to acknowledge that some of the feedback we received is beyond the scope of this document. Inquires around professional development, training for students, and specific teaching practices are all an important part of our evolving practice; however, in this forum we are aiming to focus on the policy as currently written.
Policy components and associated guidelines are listed in the order in which they appear in the policy. Feedback has been consolidated and edited for length and can be found in Appendix A.
Feedback
1.2 While encouraging the College Community to continually seek new and improved ways to implement these technologies, we must do so in a way that ensures the safety of our systems, compliance with regulations, and ethical standards of practices.
AI tutors, such as Copilot Agents, and related means of interaction are not required components of course delivery. Attempts to use Copilot for these tasks have led to examples of where the tool requires development. Institutionally we are exploring how these tools can/should be integrated; however, as they are not required, at this point they would not warrant the need for additional tools.
Copilot does have the capacity to offer some tutoring capacity when prompted correctly. Staff and students are encouraged to explore prompting strategies when appropriate.
4.2.iii: “beyond basic administrative tasks such as spelling/grammar checking and documenting editing”
Basic administrative tasks and document editing will require further exploration and definition.
The following examples are not comprehensive, but examples of activities that require reference/citation include:
- Drafting entire communications (memos, lecture summaries, etc.)
- Creating case studies
- Creating assessment questions
Examples that would not require reference/citation:
- Brainstorming
- Rewording small pieces of text for clarity
- Drafting informal communication
In section 4.3.a, we see the language, “Faculty shall provide written clarification about the acceptable use of GenAI tools to support completion of course requirements.” Faculty retain the right to determine the extent to which GenAI can be used as an editing tool within their course/assignment. “Basic administrative tasks” may vary based on course and learning outcome: faculty can establish these criteria for the assignment and evaluate accordingly.
Also, citation requirements may be adjusted based on well communicated criteria associated with accommodation(s). For example, if a student uses GenAI as a strategy within a course, it can be cited at the outset of a course and may not require citation for every similar subsequent use.
4.3.b If no written clarification is provided to students in the course workplan or Brightspace about the acceptable use of GenAI, use is not permitted in the course.
4.3.c: If a student is in doubt about whether a GenAI tool can be used for a particular assignment, the student shall speak with their faculty.
We can encourage students to use their College sanctioned version of Copilot; however, we cannot mandate its use. Students are accountable to the Intellectual Property Policy, as well as GenAI guidelines that faculty establish.
Assignments that are developed with the strategy of integrating Gen AI should explore the functionality of Copilot. If Copilot does not meet the assignment requirements, faculty should explore the approval process (see 4.5.ii.)
4.4.a: Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property (IP) is governed by its own policy. College staff will use that policy to determine IP ownership. Material where the IP ownership belongs (or co-belongs) to the College or student(s) cannot be input into an unapproved GenAI.
The determination of ownership must be navigated with the Intellectual Property policy, outside of the GenAI policy.
4.5 Unacceptable use of GenAI:
For most foreseeable violations, the GenAI Policy will operate as a supporting policy, with enforcement addressed under the relevant College policies.
Example: An academic integrity issue is the primary event, and the GenAI policy is cited in the Details of Alleged Misconduct/Violation portion of the Academic Misconduct Report Form.
Example: A copyright issue is navigated through the Use of Copyright Materials Policy, and the GenAI policy is cited regarding infractions related to unauthorized use of materials.
For complex situations, College staff are encouraged to connect with the appropriate department: DI&T, CTL, Libraries and Learning Commons.
4.5.ii: Microsoft Copilot is the only approved Enterprise tool in use at NSCC for work purposes. Outputs generated from other GenAI applications for work purposes, conducted on behalf of NSCC (e.g., implementing code generated by a GenAI into a NSCC system) require prior approval.
This process is currently under review and is case dependent. A request for review should be submitted through the Service Desk> Request Software.
Once submitted, DI&Tech will determine the appropriate method for software review.
5.1: “To maintain the security of NSCC’s data and IT systems, the College Community are prohibited from accessing unapproved GenAI applications when using college credentials, conducting business on behalf of NSCC, or when using institutional data.”
Faculty who choose to use alternate GenAI applications (who are not using College credentials and are adhering to Related Policies) are not in violation of the GenAI policy, even though they may be using these alternate GenAI applications for their professional practice. This may be subject to review after the 2025-2026 academic year.
Acknowledgement that “conducting business of behalf of the NSCC” will benefit from clarification with examples.
Accommodations:
The College acknowledges that AI plays an increasingly integrated role in systems that students use as part of accommodation plans. While software should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure its compatibility with all policies, the duty to accommodate may be considered in the approval process. Accommodations may involve multiple policies: Student Accessibility Specialists and Faculty are encouraged to connect with the CTL, DI&T, and Libraries and Learning Commons to discuss specific scenarios.
Appendix A
Similar elements of feedback have been consolidated. Inquires and the corresponding policy section are listed below.
1.2. Copilot “tutor bot” and “chat bot” limitations.
4.2. ii. Multiple inquiries regarding more clarity around “document editing” and what level of AI use requires citation.
4.3.b. and 4.3.c: Two inquiries around the use of alternate GenAI for specific assignments? Math GPT cited in one inquiry. Unnamed logo design software cited in second inquiry.
4.4.a: Intellectual property.
4.5. With whom to connect regarding policy violations.
4.5.ii: Multiple inquires around who completes approval for non-authorized tools.
5.1: Two inquiries that focus on “conducting business on behalf of NSCC”, and/or guiding faculty on the proper use of GenAI.
GenAI tools as they relate to Accommodations.