Generative AI raises considerations related to privacy, intellectual property, academic integrity, and accessibility. Penn provides guidelines for the use of AI tools with student data and educational records.
This information is subject to frequent changes and was last updated on July 23, 2025. For the most up-to-date information, including costs and instructions for access to AI tools, visit the Information Systems & Computing (ISC) page on Generative AI Tools & Resources.
Penn offers access to a number of AI tools. The guidelines for protecting student privacy while using these tools are informed by the data risk classification and the privacy agreements of the tool being used.
While these Penn-licensed tools provide some added privacy protections, it is important to be aware of which tools are acceptable to use for different types of student data.
| AI Tool | License Type | Acceptable Data Use | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Copilot Chat | Free for Penn Community | •FERPA-protected educational records •HIPAA-protected health information | Login with PennKey |
| Grammarly Pro | Free for Penn Community | •FERPA-protected educational records •HIPAA-protected health information | Login with PennKey |
| ChatGPT-EDU | Purchase Required | •FERPA-protected educational records | Contact local IT support provider |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot | Purchase Required | •FERPA-protected educational records •HIPAA-protected health information | Contact local IT support provider |
| Gemini for Google Workspace | Purchase required; available for Penn Google account users only | •FERPA-protected educational records | Contact local IT support provider |
| Google Notebook LM | Purchase required; available for Penn Google account users only | •FERPA-protected educational records | Contact local IT support provider |
Publicly available tools do not ensure the same privacy protections, but they may be appropriate for uses that do not involve student data or educational records. To protect student data, Penn’s Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy mandates the following restrictions on unlicensed tools:
If you plan to use a Penn-licensed AI tool to interact with student work for instructional purposes, consider being transparent with students about why their work will be shared and how their data will be protected.
Individual instructors determine their own policies related to acceptable student use of generative AI in coursework. For more information about setting expectations for student AI use, visit the Course Policies & Communication page.
Several additional resources have been created to help inform your decision-making around the use of AI for teaching and learning purposes:
CETLI staff are available to discuss ideas or concerns related to generative AI and your teaching, and we can work with your program or department to facilitate conversations about this technology. Contact CETLI to learn more.
