Gryphon Special Topics
Artificial Intelligence
Overview
The Guelph Gryphons embrace emerging technologies and the rapidly expanding capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI capabilities continue to grow, these guidelines will be reviewed and updated.
AI tools can provide numerous benefits to our marketing and communications efforts but must be used cautiously to avoid inadvertent disclosure of sensitive or confidential information, the creation of flawed and/or inauthentic brand materials, referencing biased or factually incorrect sources, and complications with intellectual property law. This section offers guardrails for creating marketing and communications materials but does not apply to general operations across the University.
While many of our partners and collaborators have already begun to utilize AI tools within their marketing and communications efforts, it is important to understand that all tools require significant human oversight. AI cannot replace the expertise of Gryphon staff. All AI generated content must be meticulously reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Acceptable Usage
The benefits of utilizing AI tools are not universal. The following list contains the only acceptable uses for AI tools within marketing and communications, along with some cautionary notes on things to avoid.
Modifying Existing Images: Generative AI tools can save countless hours of work by enlarging or altering the dimensions of an image to fulfill specific size requirements. It is also acceptable to retouch existing images using AI, by removing distracting background objects, external brand logos, confidential information (i.e. name tags) or other undesirable elements. These uses should never alter a person’s appearance or the realities of an image. There is an exceptionally fine line between small adjustments and fabrication. Avoid any edits that feel dishonest or inauthentic. Review our photography guidelines for more information on developing quality imagery.
Drafting Written Content: AI tools can kickstart any creative project with concept generation and initial drafting. Whether it is generating copy for a social media caption, rough drafts of a news story, or initial ideas for a campaign brief, you are welcome to utilize AI tools within your writing process. Review our writing guidelines for more information on brand voice and writing style.
Generating Transcripts: While most hired videographers will supply all necessary content, AI can be very helpful in generating transcripts for audio and video.
Unacceptable Usage
The following list highlights some of the unacceptable use-cases of artificial intelligence in marketing and communications. This is not an exhaustive list, but generally anything that does not fall under “Acceptable Usage” should be considered unacceptable.
Generating New Imagery: Generating images, videos, and graphics from scratch can lead to some enticing results. However, these results typically leave obvious signs of AI manipulation and feel inauthentic. This includes AI generated Gryphons, with each iteration of the Gryphon weakening the impact of our visual identity. AI content can also contain infringed intellectual property and is not currently able to accurately reproduce the authentic emotion and connection that is offered by human-generated content from our community. Generative AI can be a great tool for conceptualizing innovative ideas and layouts, but these results should be referenced, not published.
Content Generation without Review: Generated content must be carefully reviewed and edited. Failing to check content for originality, plagiarism, grammar, accuracy, bias, and brand alignment would be considered a brand violation and could potentially open the door to more significant repercussions.
Use of Confidential Information: Publicly available AI tools often fail to offer reasonable security and protection. Under no circumstances should you utilize confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information within these tools.
Purchasing of AI Software: AI tools must be responsibly sourced and reviewed by leadership teams prior to purchase and integration.
