The University of Maryland launched TerpAI, a university-owned generative chatbot designed to assist students, staff and faculty, according to a campuswide email sent Friday.
The university chatbot is powered by OpenAI as one of the artificial intelligence services provided by the Division of Information Technology, according to the email.
But TerpAI differs from other chatbots because its data is inputted from this university, university president Darryll Pines told The Diamondback Friday.
“AI technology and tools offer immense opportunities, and it is critical that we embrace them while also using them in a responsible and ethical way,” the email read.
[UMD to hire 40 faculty members for artificial intelligence institute]
Students, staff and faculty should follow this university’s generative AI guidelines when using GenAI tools, the email read. Students should also assume GenAI tools are prohibited to help with assignments unless otherwise specified, according to the email.
This university’s guidelines encourage users of GenAI to disclose when it is used in teaching, learning or other activities.
Allegations of using GenAI without permission in a course will be treated similarly to this university’s policy on plagiarism and cheating, according to the guidelines.
The launch comes after other AI initiatives at this university, such as this university’s plan to hire of 40 new faculty members across the colleges and schools at the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland.
