These guidelines provide transparency on the use and interpretation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the purpose of learning, teaching and assessment practice and for conducting and maintaining the operational functions of Federation University.
These guidelines apply to all students, staff and other individuals associated with the University who are responsible for Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in the context of learning, teaching and/or operational functions.
These guidelines consider:
- Awareness, literacy and usage of AI in the learning and teaching approaches conducted across the University
- Assessment artefacts and modes applied to assess student learning
- Development, approval, use and management of AI software, systems or platforms developed or created for use by Federation University
- Approval, use and management of AI software, systems or platforms procured for use by Federation University
AI is a rapidly evolving technology, which provides a significant opportunity for enhanced productivity, automation, and improvement. The University acknowledges, however, that due to its ongoing and rapid advancement, this also presents risks which the University will seek to monitor and mitigate as appropriate. These guidelines will be continually updated to reflect the increasing changes to application and regulation that are anticipated.
These guidelines are not standalone and must be read in the context of other applicable University governance documents (including policy, procedures and work instructions).
AI may be used at Federation University for functions that support the University’s Strategic Plan, including for administrative and operational functions and learning and teaching activities.
Federation University acknowledges the voluntary Australian Artificial Intelligence Ethics Framework to guide the use of AI by staff and students of the university. These principles encourage and guide usage in a manner which is:
- Focused on human, societal, and environmental wellbeing: AI should bring beneficial outcomes for individuals, society and the environment for Federation University and the broader community. Positive and negative impacts are considered and accounted for throughout the AI lifecycle.
- Human-centred values based: AI integration and usage will support human rights, autonomy of individuals and diversity.
- Fair: AI will be accessible and inclusive at Federation University and monitored to ensure they do not perpetuate injustice and disparity, particularly to underrepresented and marginalised groups.
- Protective of privacy and security: AI systems and outputs will respect the privacy rights of staff and students at Federation University. Appropriate mitigation measures will be enforced to reduce the risk of potential security vulnerabilities, unintended application and abuse risks.
- Reliable and safe: AI system usage at Federation University will be reliable and operate according to the intended purpose of the application. Appropriate risk mitigation measures will be in place to ensure users are not subject to unreasonable risk.
- Transparent: Federation University staff and students can understand when they are being significantly impacted by AI and understand when an AI system is engaging with them.
- Contestable: where any AI system significantly impacts a member of the Federation University community, there will be a timely process to allow people to challenge the use or outcomes of the AI system.
- Accountable: Human oversight of all AI systems and implementation will occur.
- Sustainable: AI systems are developed, deployed, and managed to minimise environmental impact, optimise resource utilisation, and foster long-term societal well-being.
- Explainable: AI system usage has understandable explanations for decisions and actions so users can comprehend the rationale behind AI-generated outputs, aiding in trust-building, error detection, and accountability.
- Trusted: AI users can have confidence in the capabilities, decisions, and outcomes of artificial intelligence systems
The use of AI at Federation University must follow all applicable state and federal laws and meet regulatory requirements for both Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training.
Embracing the potential of AI, our University seeks to leverage this technology across its operations, extending beyond learning and teaching into operations, procurement, and support. The rapid advancements in the field of AI have created numerous opportunities to engage with tools that can have a profound impact on productivity.
Federation University supports a culture of continuous improvement with the usage of AI potentially enhancing operational efficiency across the University, in line with the University’s operational and strategic goals.
AI technology may be used for a wide variety of operations to enhance consistency, speed, and organisational agility. It can also be implemented to identify issues, risks, opportunities, and control improvements.
Federation University encourages the use of AI technology to enhance student wellbeing and support, with appropriate strategies for maintaining student privacy and obtaining consent to engage in AI content (and the associated ability to opt out if requested). AI powered systems may support the provision of course and career advice, academic assistance, and wellbeing support. The use of AI systems will be utilised to enhance the student experience, assisting to ensure the regulatory requirements of the University are continually met.
The University will ensure that appropriate protections are in place to maintain data and privacy protections. Robust protection measures will be included in operational plans relating to data collection, retention and sharing, and the associated privacy considerations in line with legislation and regulatory requirements. Where necessary, consent will be sort for the use of AI in the use and analysis of data.
Information Technology Systems will be regularly updated and enhanced to ensure the suitability, reliability and protection of infrastructure for AI.
Staff and students are responsible for any content produced or published that includes AI-generated material.
Higher Education institutions, including Federation University, will play an important role in the advancement of AI technology, fostering innovation, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technology. The University supports both the development and procurement of AI tools to provide educational and/or commercial opportunities.
The University supports the purchase of AI technologies to enhance research capabilities, streamline administrative processes, and enrich educational experiences. The selection and purchase of AI tools require rigorous evaluation, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, scalability, ethical considerations, and compatibility with existing systems. The purchase of AI tools is subject to the Finance Governance Procedural Manual - Procurement of Goods & Services, Corporate Purchasing Card, Travel, and Motor Vehicles.
AI provides significant benefits to learning and teaching in both higher and vocational education. The inherent risks to academic integrity will be mitigated by the University.
Federation University is committed to building AI literacy in all staff and students.
Federation University academic and TAFE teaching staff have a crucial role to play in supporting learning and assessing the capability and competency of students. It is anticipated that the role of staff will progressively change and adapt to meet the ongoing changes AI will bring, however, their role will remain vital in student education.
Students are encouraged to explore and use AI technologies as tools for learning and research under the guidance of teaching staff. Course and unit coordinators must clearly define the extent to which AI tools can be utilised in coursework. Trainers and assessors will provide guidance to VET students on when AI technology can be utilised in learning and assessment activities.
Staff are encouraged to stay informed about the ethical implications of AI and integrate responsible AI use into their teaching and assessment methods. Staff will have access to training tools, relevant to their needs.
Federation University requires staff to provide clear communication to students regarding the use of artificial intelligence as part of assessment practices. Authorised use, and limits of use, need to be clearly stipulated and communicated to students within the Unit Description HE / Unit Outline (VET) (as part of learning, teaching and assessment details). Assessments should consider the potential use of AI tools, ensuring that the assessment measures students' understanding and critical thinking skills.
Where AI is permitted, it is likely to impact the expectations made of students to demonstrate learning or attainment of learning at various stages of their studies. Regular review of learning outcomes and associated assessment is required to ensure that learning and assessment is focused on learning tasks not readily performed by AI.
Federation University supports the use of AI to identify students who are ‘at-risk’ early in their education. The University will use data collected to report to funding and regulatory bodies as required. Students will be provided with information on available student support services as appropriate. Students have the option to access these as deemed appropriate.
AI may also be used to identify high-achieving students may be identified and encouraged to undertake further education, placements, or award applications as appropriate to their circumstance.
Academic Integrity is the cornerstone of our educational community. The responsible use of AI technologies can enhance learning and research opportunities, but it must be done with integrity and transparency. Where questions of Academic Integrity arise, guidance can be found in the Academic Integrity Procedure. Where a student has engaged in Academic Misconduct, the Student Misconduct Procedure provides guidance on the appropriate processes to undertake in the event of suspected academic misconduct.
AI may provide significant support for researchers throughout the university, but it is important that ethical research is maintained.
Federation University encourages the ethical use of AI technology in research. Staff and students involved in research play a crucial role in in maintaining the ethical integrity of rigorous methodology, collaboration, innovation and publication. The role of researchers will be impacted by the ongoing changes in the AI landscape, however ethical research remains the cornerstone for research output at the University.
University governance documents will support University Research Schools in their guidance of ethical AI use in research across the university. The extent that AI can be used to aid research must be clearly defined by each Research School in relation to the expertise and specificity. As AI is continually evolving, it is important that the University Research Schools remain well informed of the changes and potential impacts on ethical research within the sector.
Research integrity encompasses the principled conduct of scientific inquiry, ensuring honesty, transparency, and ethical considerations throughout the research process and is crucial to the quality and reputation of the research conducted at Federation University.
When utilising AI, researchers are expected to maintain traditional research ethics, whilst considering AI-specific challenges such as bias mitigation, transparency in algorithmic decision-making, and ensuring the fairness and reliability of AI-generated outcomes.
Whilst AI serves as a versatile tool, assisting the ability to explore, comprehend, and innovate, researchers are expected to mitigate the risks of AI usage through transparent usage and disclosure.
Federation University is committed to meeting legal, ethical and regulatory requirements. To maintain its obligations, several defence mechanisms ensure data safety, privacy of staff and students and educational and research integrity.
Defence mechanisms include critical review of tools to understand:
Purpose and Use: utilising tools that have a clear purpose and match the desired use requirements.
Reliability and trustworthiness: utilising tools developed by reputable, trustworthy providers, with verification of the accuracy and reliability of data outputs. This includes the provision of adequate supports and training to ensure usability.
Legal and ethical considerations: ensuring the products chosen for use across the University maintain the privacy and security of staff and student data; clear intellectual property and copyright requirements; ensuring equity of access and sustainable practices.
Federation University has robust governance structure and practices to ensure the ethical use of AI across all aspects of learning, teaching and operations. The Artificial Intelligence Working Group has been established to address all aspects of university AI usage. This group will provide academic and operational guidance and recommendations.
The Federation University Council serves as the ultimate accountable body, overseeing the strategic direction and ethical governance of AI initiatives. University governance documents, including policies and guidelines, will be regularly reviewed, and adapted to evolving AI technologies and regulatory changes.
Through established governance structures, such as Council and Academic Board sub-committees, the university ensures that appropriate approvals are obtained for AI projects, including considerations for data privacy, fairness, and potential societal impacts. These structures provide a framework for evaluating the ethical implications of AI applications and ensuring alignment with institutional values and regulatory requirements. Transparency mechanisms, including clear reporting and documentation, will be utilised to demonstrate and provide clear decision-making. Training and awareness programs for staff and students, will be utilised to build a culture of responsible AI use in all learning and teaching and operational aspects.
Continuous monitoring and auditing practices will be utilised across university departments to assess AI systems for bias, errors, and performance issues. These evaluations should inform ongoing improvements and adaptations.
Breaches of these Guidelines will be addressed under the Staff Code of Conduct or the Student Code of Conduct as appropriate. For complaints regarding AI usage please follow the Complaints Management Procedure.
- Federation University Act
- Federation University Statute 2021
- Federation University Regulations 2021
- Australian Skills Quality Authority ASQAStandards for Registered Training Organisations 2015
- Australian Qualifications Framework AQF
- Federation University Act 2010
- National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011
- The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021
- Other Federal and State Legislation and Regulations as appropriate
- Academic Governance Policy
- Students and Support for Students Policy
- Corporate Governance Policy
- Operations Governance Policy
- Student Misconduct Procedure
- Academic Integrity Procedure
- Use of Learning and Teaching Technology Procedure
- Information Privacy Procedure
- Higher Education Assessment (inclusive of FedTASKs) Procedure
- Complaints Management Procedure
- The Vice-Chancellor and President (the Approval Authority) is responsible for monitoring the implementation and outcomes of this guideline.
- The Chief Operations Officer (as the Document Owner) or delegate is responsible for maintaining the content of this guideline document and scheduling its review.
The Artificial Intelligence Guidelines will be communicated throughout the University via:
- A FedNews announcement and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the University’s Policy Central website.
- Distribution of emails to Deans / Directors / Directors / Managers / University staff.
- Documentation distribution, eg. posters, brochures.
- Notification to Institutes, Schools and Business Units.
The Artificial Intelligence Guidelines will be implemented throughout the University via:
- An Announcement Notice via FedNews website; and
- Staff and student induction/training sessions.
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