Frequently Asked Questions
Definitions
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that enables computers and machines to simulate learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity, and autonomy.
Agentic Artificial Intelligence (agentic AI): Autonomous AI systems that can independently set goals, create step-by-step plans, and take actions using external tools (like APIs, web browsers, or databases) to complete complex tasks with limited human intervention.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (generative AI): A machine-based tool designed to consider user questions, prompts, and other inputs (e.g., text, images, videos) to generate a human-like output (e.g., a response to a question, a written document, software code, or product design).
Guarded Environment: A secure, isolated, and strictly governed infrastructure designed to protect sensitive datasets throughout the entire data lifecycle (storage, collection, training, testing, and inference).
Internal/Institutional Data: Data that is not classified as Public or Restricted and is intended for internal use within the institution.
Public Data: Data explicitly or implicitly approved for distribution to the public.
Regulated Data: Data subject to legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements. All regulated data is restricted data.
Restricted Data: Highly sensitive data intended for limited, specific use by a workgroup, department, or group of individuals with a legitimate need to know.
Regents Information Systems (RIS): The system-level authority for the system-wide guarded environment and data governance structures.
What Policies and Frameworks inform Northern’s Approach to AI?
Policies
- SDBOR Policy 2.7.3.1 – Syllabi and Learning Management System (LMS) Policy
- SDBOR Policy 2.7.3.2 – Learning Management System (LMS)
- SDBOR AAC guideline 2.3.7.A – Syllabi Guidelines
- SDBOR Policy 2.9.2 – Student Code for Academic Misconduct
- SDBOR Policy 3.3.1 – Confidentiality of Student Records
- SDBOR SAC Guideline 3.3.1.1 – FERPA Guidelines for the Regental System
- SDBOR SAC Guideline 3.3.1.2 – Classroom Use of Third-Party Sites and FERPA
- SDBOR Policy 3.3.2 – Public Access to Student Directory Information
- SDBOR Policy 3.4.1 – Student Code of Conduct
- SDBOR Policy 5.14 – Protection of Social Security Numbers
- SDBOR Policy 7.1 – Acceptable Use of Information Technology Systems
- SDBOR Policy 7.6 – Technology Purchases and Accessibility
- SDBOR Policy 7.7 – Personally Identifiable Information
- SDBOR Policy 7.8 – Data Classification
- SDBOR 7.9 - Artificial Intelligence and Emergent Technology Use
- NSU 2.1.4 - Syllabus Guideline
- NSU 7.1 - Acceptable Use of Technology Systems
Resources and Frameworks
United States Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework
https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ai/NIST.AI.100-1.pdf
United States White House, National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/03.20.26-National-Policy-Framework-for-Artificial-Intelligence-Legislative-Recommendations.pdf
OECD AI Principles https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/ai-principles.html
UNESCO, Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137
Who are Northern’s AI Contacts?
Data governance and security:
Brenda Mammenga, Director of Institutional Research
Jodi Casanova, Chief Information Security OfficerUse of a specific AI tool or software
Debbi Bumpous, VP of Technology/CIO
AI in Research – for Students:
Always read your syllabus and assignment first. Then, ask your professor for additional guidance.
For specific help with faculty-approved AI assignments and tools, contact: Williams Library:
https://northern.edu/library
Lynn.klundt@northern.eduAI in Research – for Faculty and Staff:
Office of Sponsored Programs
https://td.northern.edu/TDClient/30/Portal/KB/Article/386/Office-of-Sponsored-Programs
alison.kiesz@northern.eduInstitutional Review Board
https://td.northern.edu/TDClient/30/Portal/KB/Article/384/Institutional-Review-Board
Jeffrey.howard@northern.eduAI in Teaching and Learning:
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
https://northern.edu/cetl
nicole.schutter@northern.eduTraining for AI Knowledge and Skills for Campus and Community
Empowering Innovators
https://northern.edu/micro-credential-digital-badging-nsu
jennifer.deutsch@northern.eduTraining for Entrepreneurs and Businesses Interested in AI
Northern Innovation and Startup Center
https://www.northernstartupcenter.com
bea.smith@northern.edu