Principles (provisional)
We have developed principles, grounded in the University’s core values, to guide the use of GenAI tools on campus. These are not rigid rules, but shared commitments that help us use AI responsibly, creatively, and in ways that reflect the University of Waterloo’s unique mission. As we explore new opportunities with AI, these values will keep us aligned with what matters most: people, integrity, and innovation.
- Purpose first: We use AI deliberately to enhance learning, research, and campus life, not simply because it’s available.
- People in control: AI supports human judgment. We remain accountable for outcomes.
- Empowering our community with shared learning: We equip students, staff, and faculty members with the skills to engage with AI confidently and critically.
- Courage to experiment: We explore, learn from mistakes, and iterate quickly, sparking fresh ideas and new solutions.
- Responsible, ethical, and inclusive use: We proactively consider the responsible and ethical use of AI, including energy use and climate impacts, protecting privacy, respecting data rights, compliance with laws and policies, and actively checking for bias, working to make AI safe and fair.
Guidelines
We have curated general resources that have been developed by various campus units to enable the responsible, safe, and effective use of GenAI as you teach, learn, research, and work. These resources have been designed to guide:
- Student in using AI in coursework, research, and other learning activities.
- Faculty and instructors in integrating AI into curriculum, course design, assessment practices, and research.
- Staff in incorporating AI in operations.
Supports
For questions related to the use of AI software and platforms, such as guidance around choosing technologies, submit a request to the AI Services team: