Using AI at Rutgers: Tools, Expectations, and Best Practices
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the technology landscape and capturing the public’s imagination. To support the School of Arts and Sciences community in exploring these emerging tools, we’ve gathered resources that highlight both the opportunities AI offers and the questions it raises. Our goal is to provide guidance that helps students, faculty, and staff use AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively across the university.
Rutgers AI Overview
Artificial Intelligence at Rutgers
The central landing page for Rutgers-approved AI tools, guidance, and literacy resources.
Guidance on the use of AI at Rutgers
This page includes expectations for using Rutgers-approved tools, academic integrity considerations, protections for confidential data, and procurement/accessibility considerations.
Rutgers Approved AI Tools
These tools are described by OIT as centrally funded and available to Rutgers students, faculty, and staff at no additional cost. All Rutgers licensed tools protect university data by prohibiting data use in model training and restricting access to university data.
Microsoft Copilot
AI Chatbot that is integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem. Accessible through Microsoft tools as well as through its own interface.
Best For
- Writing
- Brainstorming
- Word & Excel
Google Gemini
AI Chatbot that is integrated into the Google ecosystem. Available to everyone at Rutgers through their ScarletMail/ScarletApps login. Be sure you are connected using your Rutgers account and not your personal Gmail account. Gemini should not be used to process Personal Health Information (PHI).
Best For
- Google Docs
- Gmail
- Workspace Productivity
NotebookLM
An AI research assistant that lets you upload documents, webpages, videos, audio, etc., and generate outputs grounded in those materials (e.g., study guides, podcasts). Available to everyone at Rutgers through their ScarletMail/ScarletApps login. Be sure you are connected using your Rutgers account and not your personal Gmail account. NotebookLM should not be used for the processing of Personal Health Information (PHI).
Best For
- Research
- PDF Analysis
- Document Summaries
Grammarly for Education
Rutgers Grammarly includes generative AI prompts for revising, brainstorming, tone, and more.
Best For
- Grammar
- Clarity
- Tone Suggestions
Zoom AI Companion
Zoom’s personal assistant, AI Companion 2.0, offers tools to generate meeting summaries and tasks, provide quick meeting recaps, and enable post-meeting queries.
Best For
- Meeting Notes
- Action Items
- Summaries
Available Paid AI Subscriptions
This section provides additional paid AI options that individuals and departments can choose from to best support their academic, research, and administrative needs through the Rutgers Software Portal for a fee.
Microsoft 365 Copilot (Copilot+)
- Adds AI features inside Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
- Cost: $20/month subscription
- Important notes: purchasers must log in with their Rutgers Connect account for proper use; subscriptions must be purchased by faculty/staff and can be assigned to faculty, staff, students, and sponsored guests.
ChatGPT Edu (OpenAI)
- Subscription version of ChatGPT offered through Rutgers
- Offers higher message limits than free versions.
- Various plans starting at $10/month
Google AI Pro (for ScarletApps / Google Workspace)
- Premium AI capabilities that work with ScarletMail/ScarletApps (Google Workspace) and includes advanced Gemini and related features, described by OIT as integrated with Google Workspace tools.
- Various plans starting at $20/month.
- Important notes: purchasers must log in with ScarletMail; PHI and Rutgers business information should not be uploaded and points users to a data-classification resource.
Training Resources
This section offers training resources to build practical AI skills and expand knowledge of emerging technologies, with new materials and programming added as available.
Curated list of LinkedIn Learning Courses that are maintained by OIT
SAS Training Resources
Rutgers AI Policies
This section outlines the policies and expectations that guide the responsible use of AI at Rutgers, including the requirement to use Rutgers approved tools to protect university data and uphold academic integrity. Information on the following items can be accessed here.
- Use Rutgers-approved AI tools to protect university data.
- Academic integrity expectations (including a reference to Rutgers Academic Integrity Policy 10.2.13 and instructor/course-level rules).
- Do not use confidential/sensitive data inappropriately; consult the referenced data classification guidance.
- Follow normal security/procurement processes and digital accessibility standards when purchasing/adopting AI tools.
Rutgers Initiatives and Communities
This section highlights broad efforts that advance AI research, collaboration, and innovation at Rutgers. Two current community initiatives are:
AI@Rutgers Initiative
OIT AI Initiative information, sponsorship/leadership listings, working groups, and updates.
Rutgers Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (RAD) Collaboratory
A New Brunswick hub for AI and data science collaboration and programming (especially relevant for faculty/students looking for research communities and engagement).
Quick Guide to Choosing an AI Tool
This section offers a simple, at a glance guide to help you select the most appropriate AI tool based on your task.
| I Need AI For... | Recommended Tool | Purchasing Information |
|---|---|---|
| Quick drafting, brainstorming, general Q&A | Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini | No additional cost |
| Research grounded in your PDFs, webpages, and files | NotebookLM | No additional cost, ScarletMail |
| AI inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams | Microsoft 365 Copilot | Subscription via Software Portal |
| Need OpenAI-specific workflows (custom GPTs, higher limits) | ChatGPT Edu | Subscription via Software Portal |
| Advanced AI integrated into ScarletApps (Google Workspace) | Google AI Pro | Subscription via Software Portal |
| Writing support embedded into your workflow | Grammarly for Education | Rutgers Grammarly environment |
Additional Questions
If you have additional questions, please submit a ticket or email . For questions regarding AI and teaching, please contact .