Summary
Learn about Minnesota State’s generative AI guidance, including the official policy document, recommendations for using Microsoft Copilot, a list of approved AI-enabled tools, and services that are blocked for security reasons.
Body
Overview
Minnesota State provides direction on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure ethical, secure, and policy-aligned practices. This article includes:
- A link to the official Minnesota State Generative AI Guidance document with detailed policy and legal context.
- Information on authorized and recommended AI services available within the system.
- A list of AI services blocked for security reasons.
Generative AI Guidance Document
The Minnesota State Generative AI Guidance (authored by Stephen M. Kelly and Mike R. Kutzke) offers insights into:
- Intersections between generative AI and Minnesota State policies, including Board Policy 3.26 on Intellectual Property.
- Intellectual property and copyright considerations, including the U.S. Copyright Office’s stance that AI-generated outputs fall into the public domain.
- Ethical and governance issues related to AI use in educational settings.
This document serves as a foundational resource for understanding the broader context of AI use across the system.
Microsoft Copilot Recommendation
Minnesota State has authorized and licensed Microsoft Copilot for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Copilot runs within the secure Minnesota State environment, protecting university and student data.
- Data within the MinnState system is not used to train external AI models.
- Some third-party AI applications pose risks to FERPA-protected and private information and should not be used.
Authorized and Recommended AI Services
When signed in with your StarID, the following AI-enabled services are authorized under Minnesota State contracts and meet required data security standards:
- Adobe Firefly
- Microsoft 365 Copilot (Work-based Chat)
- Microsoft 365 Applications: Forms, Teams, Clipchamp, Power Automate, Reading/Search/Speaker Coach
- Copilot Studio
- Zoom AI Companion
Additional licensed applications (may require extra cost):
- Microsoft Office Applications Copilot (Windows and macOS)
- Planner and Project Plan 3
- Power BI
Disabled AI Services
The following services were blocked on July 3, 2025 due to data security risks:
- Read.AI
- Otter.AI
- Fireflies.AI
These tools are disabled in the Minnesota State environment and should not be used for university-related work.