Harvard FAS Administrative Staff Policy on Generative AI (GAI) Use

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is an emerging and imperfect technology that, when used thoughtfully, can offer valuable support to our work. FAS staff are encouraged to experiment and explore the responsible use of GAI as part of our commitment to supporting Harvard’s research and educational missions. We also encourage robust discussions about domains of appropriate GAI use, and clarification of mutual expectations among colleagues.

Potential applications include, but are not limited to, leveraging GAI as a thought partner for idea development, refining and editing communications such as emails, memos, job descriptions, and formal letters, and enhancing productivity in administrative tasks.

While GAI tools can be useful and continue to improve, they aren’t perfect. Shortcomings include, for example, false or incomplete information and code with errors. Each FAS staff member bears full responsibility for the accuracy, appropriateness, and quality of their work product, including work product generated or assisted by GAI.  Where possible and appropriate, we consider it advisable to acknowledge GAI use in work product. 

To protect privacy and enhance cybersecurity, any Harvard-related use of Generative AI should occur exclusively through the HUIT-approved sandbox environment (HUIT AI sandbox) or an OpenAI Enterprise account linked to your Harvard Key. Using tools like AI-facilitated meeting transcription on Zoom should also only happen through Harvard-managed accounts. Any data entered into a GAI tool may not exceed the approved data classification level for that tool. GAI must be used in accordance with all applicable Harvard policies, including those governing cybersecurity and the Guidelines for Using ChatGPT and other Generative AI Tools at Harvard.