Generative AI at UIS
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we approach teaching, learning, research, and administrative tasks at the University of Illinois Springfield. Our mission is to keep the UIS community informed about the latest AI tools, training, and resources while ensuring that the technology is used safely and ethically.
Chat, writing, creativity and analysis tools
These tools help with everyday work like drafting emails, summarizing documents, brainstorming ideas and doing light research. Note: Certain licensed resources, including University Library materials, are subject to publisher agreements and may not be uploaded to or shared with AI tools.
| App Name | best for | eligibility | approved data | availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Advanced writing, research, admin tasks | Faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | $11 per month on WebStore. |
| Microsoft Copilot Chat | Drafting, summaries, general AI chat | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included in Microsoft Office. |
| Google Gemini | General AI reasoning and content creation | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included with Google license. |
| Google NotebookLM | Document-based research and synthesis | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included with Google license. |
| Zoom AI Companion | General AI reasoning and content creation | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included with Zoom. |
| Canvas AI | Canvas AI enhances teaching efficiency | Faculty | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included with Canvas. |
| LinkedIn Learning | LinkedIn Learning AI-driven career coaching and learning paths | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Public | Included with LinkedIn Learning. |
| Adobe Firefly | Adobe Firefly offer generative AI tools for creative projects | Faculty & Staff | ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included with Adobe Creative Cloud. |
Meeting and collaboration tools
These tools support meetings by generating summaries, transcripts and action items. They’re best used to save time after meetings, not to replace judgment or decision-making. Be especially mindful of what gets recorded or summarized and avoid using these tools for sensitive conversations.
| App Name | Best for | eligibility | approved data | availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Teams Premium | AI meeting tools and intelligent recap | Faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | $2 per month on WebStore. |
| Zoom AI Companion | AI meeting summaries and transcripts | Students, faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Included in Zoom. |
Advanced research tools
These tools support specialized work, including software development, advanced integrations, and research computing.
| APP name | best for | eligibility | data | availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Copilot Add-On | AI across Outlook, Word, Teams, and OneDrive | Faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | $28 per month on WebStore. |
| GitHub Copilot | Code completion and developer productivity | Faculty & staff | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Review the Security and Privacy Resources before use. |
| DeltaAI | Explore or Discover request via ACCESS | Faculty | ✅ Sensitive ✅ Internal ✅ Public | Contact Kara McElwrath at kmcel2@uis.edu for more information. |
AI Workshops
We understand that making resources available addresses only one piece of this puzzle. Creating awareness of such tools and providing training are equally important. CFE and COLRS will be offering customized workshops designed for the integration of Generative AI applications in educational settings. These workshops will emphasize hands-on experiences, concentrating on the practical implementation of Generative AI within a college or department, and focus on utilizing Generative AI to enhance communication, foster student engagement, design lessons, and generate content effectively. Find upcoming AI events and workshops on the AI at UIS website.
The AI Steering Committee
The AI Steering Committee comprises faculty and staff representing all areas of campus. The group is broken up into special interest groups focusing on disciplines of their expertise: teaching & learning, research, community engagement, and ethics and policy. Each group will work collaboratively to develop principles and strategic goals in service of university-wide conversations about the role of AI at UIS and the needs associated with supporting our students, faculty and staff.
Data Classification
Only use AI tools with data you’re allowed to share. See the Illinois data classification guidance for more information. If you’re unsure, contact security@uis.edu.
See the approved data classifications for each tool in the tables above.