Use of Generative AI
What it Generative AI?
- Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate new content — like text, images, music, videos, and even code — based on the data they’ve been trained on.
Types of Generative AI?
By now most people are aware of generative AI and tools like OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and others. Generative AI refers to software tools modeled on large amounts of data to produce text, images, video and other digital artifacts. These models produce content based on the patterns and structures they learn from extensive datasets.
While these technologies offer significant benefits, they also come with potential risks and concerns that must be carefully considered.
- One of the primary issues is the potential for disclosing sensitive information. Generative AI tools often require large amounts of data to function effectively, raising concerns about personal data privacy, the risk of inadvertently sharing confidential business information, and FERPA violations.
- There are also copyright and intellectual property concerns, as these models may generate content that infringes on existing works.
- Another significant issue is the accuracy of the information used by these models. Since generative AI systems are trained on extensive datasets, they can sometimes produce outputs that contain errors or outdated information. This can lead to misinformation and potentially harmful consequences.
- Bias and discrimination within the training data is also a major concern. The datasets used to train these models may contain inherent biases, which can be reflected in the generated content.
- Ethical use and transparency are crucial considerations as well. It is essential to ensure that generative AI is used responsibly and that the processes behind these technologies are transparent to users and stakeholders.
Explore your role
- Faculty
-
Student
Washington State Standards of Conduct for student:
Citing AI Generated Material - Citation Styles & Tools - LibGuide at Central Washington University
-
Staff
If you do choose to use one of these generative AI tools to assist you with your work at Central, Information Services recommends the following actions:
- Get permission from your supervisor before using any generative AI tool.
- Inform Information Services if generative AI tools are included in any software you already use. WaTech now requires all agencies to report these tools in the annual software inventory.
- Follow the Solution Request process If you are purchasing a new product that contains generative AI tools.
Artificial Intelligence Resources | WaTech
WaTech guidelines for generative AI use
Training Opportunities:
-
Generative AI Toolkit
Copilot Chat: This is a foundational chat experience that allows users to interact with AI in a conversational manner. It includes web-grounded chat, file uploads, and the ability to create and manage agents. It is designed to be safe and secure for business use, with enterprise data protection and agent management features if you log in using your CWU account.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: It includes all the features of Copilot Chat and more. It is designed to be integrated into the Microsoft 365 apps you use every day, providing a seamless experience across your emails, meetings, chats, documents, and more. This requires a separate license with a cost of $360/year.
Get started using Copilot:Microsoft 365 Copilot
Copilot Prompt Gallery
Generative AI
Writing
ChatGPT - OpenAI conversational AI
Grammarly - Writing assistant and grammar checkerImage Generation
Canva - quick design and image generation
Piktochart - web-based graphic design toolTeaching & Learning
Anaconda - python and R program languagesMeeting Assistant
Otter.ai - AI-powered transcription and meeting summaries with speaker identification, searchable transcripts, and live note-taking for Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.Teams Premium - AI-generated summaries, intelligent recap, personalized highlights, and live translations for multilingual meetings.
CWU News

$4 million federal grant aimed at helping with school psychologist shortage
February 25, 2026 by Marketing and Communications

CWU Disability Services aims to provide equitable access to education
February 23, 2026 by Rune Torgersen