Policy framework on Generative AI officially published

UM position on GenAI

Maastricht University (UM) positions itself as part of the early majority in adopting Generative AI (GenAI), recognising its potential to transform education, research, and operations. As a disruptive technology, UM is committed to implementing GenAI in a meaningful way. We aim to do this by considering the evolving expectations and behaviours of various sectors, while staying true to our core identity as an international, PBL-focused university.

UM is committed to the ethical and responsible use of GenAI, aligning with the values of diversity and inclusivity, sustainability, mutual respect, integrity, democratic principles and transparency. The university aims to prepare staff and students for a future where AI will play a role in all sorts of processes inside and outside the university. UM aims to implement GenAI at the university in such a way that it benefits the community and is of added value for education, research and operations.

GenAI applications at UM are envisioned to enrich teaching, learning, and research experiences, and foster future-oriented skills within the UM community. This approach aligns with the university’s digitalisation strategy, ensuring that AI technologies support innovation while maintaining UM's ethical principles.

Living document

Recognising the rapid evolution of GenAI and its accompanying legislation, this policy framework will remain a living document. Static guidelines will be supplemented by regularly updated annexes, supporting materials, and training available on a dedicated website , to reflect new developments and best practices.

Getting started yourself

Education

Next to this policy framework EDLAB has developed a knowledge base with, among other things, considerations for GenAI in the design, delivery, and assessment of PBL education, use cases for GenAI in education, student guidelines and a literature review on the use of GenAI in PBL. Interested staff members are also invited to join our Teams group UM-AI & Education: Community of Practice. This, along with various other supporting documents (like a student AI literacy module and a GenAI prompt library that provide a starting point for using GenAI) can be found via the UM website. 

Research and services

We are aware that these supporting tools are also useful for researchers and support staff and aim to provide additional supporting tools for all students and staff as soon as possible. In the meantime, staff is encouraged to make use of existing resources that have already been created for teaching staff.

Licenses

Large-scale provision of a corporate facility for Gen AI is not currently possible. On a small scale, you can discuss obtaining a paid license with your manager, with additional approval of the budget holder and the Information Manager of your unit. Getting started with free GenAI versions is also possible. In all cases, take into account existing privacy and security guidelines and look into existing tips and guidelines for the use of GenAI.