Using Generative AI at Metro State: Guidance and Approved Tools

Overview

Minnesota State provides direction on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure ethical, secure, and policy-aligned practices. This article includes:

Article Sections

• Generative AI Guidance Document
• Microsoft Copilot Recommendation
• Authorized and Recommended AI Services
• Unauthorized/Disabled AI Services
• Additional Resources

Generative AI Guidance Document

The Minnesota State Generative AI Guidance offers insights into:

• Intersections between generative AI and Minnesota State policies, including Board Policy 3.26 on Intellectual Property.
• Intellectual property and copyright considerations, including the U.S. Copyright Office’s stance on AI-generated outputs, particularly Report on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, Part 2: Copyrightability.
• Ethical and governance issues related to AI use in educational settings.

This document serves as a foundational resource for understanding the broader context of AI use across the system.

Microsoft Copilot Recommendation

Minnesota State has authorized and licensed Microsoft Copilot for all students, faculty, and staff.

• Copilot is part of the M365 suite, students, staff, and faculty have access to Copilot within the MinnState M365 Cloud environment. 
• Some third-party AI applications pose risks to FERPA-protected and private information and should not be used.

Authorized and Recommended AI Services

The following AI-enabled services are authorized under MinnState/Metro State contracts and meet required data security standards:

• Adobe Firefly
• Microsoft 365 Copilot (Work-based Chat)
• A growing number of Microsoft 365 Applications have AI built in: Forms, Teams, Clipchamp, Power Automate, Power Pages, Learning Activities, Reading Coach
• Packback (D2L Integration)
• Zoom AI Companion

Additional licensed applications (may require extra cost):

• Microsoft 365 Applications Copilot  (Windows and macOS)
• Microsoft Copilot Studio
• Power BI

Unauthorized/Disabled AI Services

The following services were blocked on July 3, 2025 due to data security risks:

• Read.AI
• Otter.AI
• Fireflies.AI

These tools are disabled in the MinnState System environment and should not be used for university-related work.

Additional Resources

You can reach us by email at service.center@metrostate.edu or by phone at 651.793.1240.