Using AI responsibly

At Ontario Tech, we're committed to helping employees build the knowledge and confidence to use AI effectively while ensuring its use aligns with our institutional values and responsibilities.

Our approach to AI is guided by responsible use, privacy and security, and human accountability. AI can support decision-making, creativity and productivity, but it should not replace human judgment. Employees are expected to review, validate and take responsibility for any AI-generated content before using it in their work.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, so do the considerations around privacy, data protection, security, accessibility, intellectual property and vendor terms. To support safe and effective adoption, Ontario Tech evaluates AI tools before recommending them for institutional use. Employees should use approved or college-supported AI tools and follow institutional guidance to help protect our community, information and systems while making the most of AI's potential.

Learn about AI Innovation with Integrity

Approved tools and platform information

For university work, employees should use approved or university-supported AI tools and environments. Current training will include reference to tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini in approved university-supported environments, where appropriate. Employees should ensure they are signed in with their Ontario Tech University ID when using approved enterprise environments so that university privacy and security protections are in place.

Other AI systems may become available or may be requested for review over time. If a tool is not listed as approved or university-supported, employees should not use it with personal, confidential or sensitive university information. Proposed AI systems may require privacy, security, procurement and AI assessment before use.

For details about approved platforms and access, contact accessandprivacy@ontariotechu.ca.

For questions about current AI tools approved at the university, contact Ask.IT@ontariotechu.ca. 

Privacy, security and PIA information

Employees should not enter personal, confidential or sensitive university information into AI tools unless they are using an approved environment and the use is appropriate.

For guidance on privacy, data protection, Privacy Impact Assessments and responsible data use,visit the Office of the General Counsel's Access and Privacy web page or contact accessandprivacy@ontariotechu.ca.