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Guiding Policy on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Akureyri
1. Introduction and Purpose
The University of Akureyri (UNAK) hereby presents its guiding policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI), hereinafter referred to simply as AI. With this policy, the university acknowledges that AI is and will be an integral part of learning, teaching, research, and administration in the future. The purpose is to establish a clear framework that ensures professionalism, trust, and ethical responsibility. In this way, the University of Akureyri strives to leverage the opportunities inherent in the technology to enhance the quality of education, research, and administration, without compromising the fundamental values of the university community.
This policy is a living document, developed in consultation with students, teachers, and other staff. It will be reviewed regularly to respond to rapid technological developments and new knowledge in the field.
2. General Principle
The general principle is that students and staff of the University of Akureyri are permitted to use AI tools in their studies, teaching, research, and administration. This includes Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, as well as assistive tools based on the technology, such as Scite, Perplexity, and NotebookLM.
However, this use is always subject to the following conditions and must comply with:
Data protection and secure data handling:
The utmost security must be observed when handling personal information and other sensitive data. Further instructions on data security and data protection can be found in Appendix B.
Copyright and responsible use of sources:
AI must never be cited as a source. All sources obtained with the help of AI, e.g., Scite, must be handled and cited in accordance with recognised academic methods.
Ethical standards and academic integrity:
Use must be in full compliance with the university's code of ethics and the fundamental principles of academic integrity.
Academic freedom:
Academic freedom and independence in learning, teaching, and research must be respected. The use of AI must not undermine an individual's responsibility for their own work or the freedom of others.
Teachers are permitted to set specific limitations or rules on the use of AI in individual courses or assignments. Such rules must be clearly stated in the course or assignment description and justified with reference to learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
If no such limitations are specified, the general principle that use is permitted, provided the above conditions are met, applies. Appendix A contains further guidance on the responsible use of AI.
3. Guiding Principles of the Policy
The University of Akureyri's policy on AI is based on five core values. The aim is to fulfil all these guiding principles, with the caveat that a balance often needs to be struck between them in practice.
- Equity and Access: AI shall be used to promote equal opportunities for all students and staff to participate, regardless of status or background.
- Well-being and a human-centred approach: The use of artificial intelligence shall support well-being, increase efficiency, and maximise human benefits in learning, teaching, research, and support services.
- Transparency and trust: All use of artificial intelligence shall be clear and responsible. Where applicable, its use in projects, research, and other work shall be transparently disclosed.
- Ethics and academic integrity: All use of artificial intelligence shall be in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the University of Akureyri (2024) and the university's core principles of justice, respect, responsibility, and integrity.
- Innovation: The University of Akureyri encourages the creative, useful, and responsible use of artificial intelligence that contributes to real progress in education, science, and administration.
4. Related documents
This policy is supported by detailed supplementary documents:
- Appendix A: Guidelines on responsible use, risk management, and response to misuse
- Appendix B: Data security and privacy in the world of artificial intelligence
5. Entry into force and review
The policy takes effect upon approval by the University Council, 30.10.2025.
It will be formally reviewed no later than April 2026.