AI Resources and Support

• ZotGPT is UCI’s custom AI platform, built specifically for the campus using secure technology partners like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS. It offers chat, document upload, custom bot creation, and integrates tightly with UCI resources, supporting data privacy and UCI authentication. Data processed through ZotGPT is not used for commercial model training, ensuring confidentiality for university users.
• ChatGPT is a commercial AI service by OpenAI, publicly available and not customized for campus needs. While both offer AI-powered text generation, ZotGPT operates within UCI’s infrastructure and follows campus policies, while ChatGPT may use submitted content for future model training unless additional enterprise agreements exist.

• Staff should assess both the task and the type of data involved. AI tools are generally appropriate for tasks like brainstorming, editing, summarizing content, and drafting non-confidential communications. Sensitive, FERPA-protected, or student health data should not be submitted to generative AI tools unless explicitly permitted by university policy. For roles involving confidential student, HR, or research information, check with your supervisor or refer to campus data classification guidelines before using AI.
• When unsure, use UCI-sanctioned tools like ZotGPT, which offer enhanced privacy protections, and avoid uploading confidential documents.

• UCI requires strict compliance with FERPA and data privacy guidelines. Never upload student records or any personally identifiable information into AI tools unless the tool is explicitly approved for handling protected data. ZotGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, when accessed through UCI credentials, offer enhanced privacy, but always verify data classification before sharing student or medical data.
• Refer to UCI’s Data Privacy & Information Security Policy for guidance, and if in doubt, consult with your supervisor or the UCI privacy office.

• ZotGPT: Secure, campus-customized generative AI suite (Chat, Creator, API, ClassChat).
• Microsoft Copilot: Integrated with Office 365 suite, supporting chat, image generation, and summarization.
• Google Gemini: Approved for some users, offers brainstorming and planning features.
• Zoom AI Companion: For meeting transcription and Q&A, enabled via UCI Zoom portal.
Access these tools only using UCI credentials to benefit from privacy safeguards and adherence to university agreements.

• Clearly define your task or question (“Summarize this policy for students”).
• Use specific language and request examples where needed.
• Avoid submitting confidential, FERPA-protected, or sensitive information.
• Use ZotGPT’s Prompt Library for pre-built templates customized for campus use.
• Test and refine prompts, especially for multi-step or complex requests, to improve output quality.

• Be transparent with colleagues and students when AI tools aid your work. Best practice is to note in documents, reports, or communications:
• “Portions of this content were generated or reviewed using AI tools (e.g., ZotGPT, Copilot).”
• For student-facing services, inform students when interactions are AI-powered, and clarify any limitations or review processes. Adhere to UCI’s guidelines on academic honesty and attribution.

Yes—with clear boundaries and transparency. UCI-approved AI tools like ZotGPT ClassChat and chatbots may be used for student support, FAQs, or general advising, but do not use AI for handling confidential records, providing medical advice, or anything subject to FERPA/privacy restrictions. Always inform students when AI is used for their support, and follow department guidelines for review and escalation to human staff where appropriate.

• Use only approved tools for institutional data.
• Respect privacy, equity, and intellectual property.
• Practice transparency and seek continual feedback.
Departments may have additional guidelines, especially around health data, counseling, or equity, so review unit-specific directives and check for updates on the Student Affairs and OIT policy portals.

• ZotGPT Academy: Foundational and advanced AI training, prompt engineering, workflow integration.
• UCI OIT’s Udemy courses: GenAI learning paths tailored to different roles.
• Live and virtual workshops, webinars, and hands-on demos announced via the Student Affairs calendar and ZotGPT site.
• Peer-led sessions and use-case showcases from early adopters within units.

Contact the UCI Office of Information Technology (OIT) at oit@uci.edu for personalized support, technical questions, or training requests. For Student Affairs-specific AI inquiries, follow department guidance or email your cluster’s designated AI point person listed on the initiative’s website. For policy, privacy, or FERPA concerns, consult UCI’s privacy office or legal counsel.