Available training and resources

Below is a sampling of training opportunities and guidance for faculty and instructors to support effective and responsible use of AI:

  • Establishing Expectations for Generative AI Use
    Instructors are encouraged to set clear expectations in their syllabi regarding when and how generative AI may be used in their courses and assignments. This CFE resource provides example policies and sample language aligned with varying levels of permitted AI use.
  • Using Generative AI: A Guide for Faculty
    Practical suggestions for integrating generative AI into teaching while maximizing its instructional value and minimizing potential risks.
  • Using Generative AI: A Guide for Students
    A resource to help students navigate academic uses of AI, develop effective prompts, cite AI contributions and consider ethical implications. Many faculty have also found the resource useful as a teaching companion.
  • Machine Learning Lab + AI and Ambassadors
    Information on a sandbox environment for faculty and researchers that provides studio access, advanced hardware, training and a learning community to explore AI applications and experiment with emerging tools.
  • AI in Research and Scholarship
    A compilation of resources focused on using generative AI tools and custom models to support research and scholarly work.
  • Adaptable Generative AI Assignments and Model Cards
    A collection of interdisciplinary, MSU-developed examples for teaching with generative AI, including adaptable templates.

Available AI tools

Faculty and instructors have access to several generative AI tools, each designed for different use cases:

  • CatChat
    Developed and hosted by UIT and MSU Research Computing, and supported by the Tempest computing infrastructure. CatChat is a free, general-purpose AI tool comparable to other chat-based platforms. All data remain entirely within MSU systems.
  • Microsoft Copilot Chat (Free)
    Included with MSU’s Microsoft license and available via the web and within Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. It can assist with drafting, summarizing and brainstorming tasks.
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot
    An enhanced version of Copilot that integrates more directly into Microsoft applications and offers advanced capabilities and more consistent performance. This version is available at an additional cost of $216 per user per year and may be requested through UIT.

No single tool fits every task. CatChat may be a good option for those seeking an MSU-hosted solution, while Copilot tools can be effective for work already centered in Microsoft applications. Units and individuals are encouraged to consider their specific needs, workflows, and data sensitivity when selecting an AI tool.