AI Can Assist. You Are Responsible.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we communicate, create, analyze information and perform our daily work. At Norfolk State University, we recognize the tremendous potential of AI to enhance productivity, inspire creativity and help our faculty and staff work more effectively.
As we embrace these emerging technologies, however, we must also use them thoughtfully, ethically and responsibly. AI can support our work, but it does not replace the judgment, accountability or responsibility of the people using it.
Keep a Human at the Helm
Generative AI can be an excellent assistant. It can help brainstorm ideas, organize thoughts, summarize information, develop an outline, refine language or prepare a first draft.
But AI assistance does not replace human judgment.
Before an AI-assisted communication is sent, posted or published on behalf of Norfolk State University, a person should review the final product for accuracy, context, tone, appropriateness and alignment with University standards.
The principle is simple:
AI can draft. Humans must decide.
Keeping a Human at the Helm means that technology assists the process, while people remain responsible for the decisions.
You Own the Message
When you use AI to help create an email, report, presentation, social media post, webpage, announcement or other University communication, the resulting message remains your responsibility.
AI does not currently have legal personhood or professional accountability. It cannot accept responsibility for an inaccurate statement, inappropriate wording, disclosure of confidential information or a message that misrepresents the University.
Therefore, “the AI generated it” is not a substitute for appropriate human review or accountability.
A longstanding leadership principle applies particularly well in the age of artificial intelligence:
You can delegate authority, but you cannot delegate responsibility.
We can delegate certain tasks to technology. We can ask AI to help us research, organize, draft and refine. But responsibility for what we ultimately communicate remains with us.
Protect the Norfolk State University Brand
The same responsibility applies to the University's visual identity.
When creating University communications, presentations, graphics, webpages, social media content or other materials—including content developed with the assistance of generative AI—always use the official Norfolk State University logo, including the approved University tower mark, in accordance with University brand standards.
Do not ask an AI image generator to recreate, approximate, redesign or interpret the Norfolk State University logo or tower. Generative AI may produce something that looks similar while changing important elements of the official mark.
Our logo is our identity. Use the official artwork—not an AI interpretation of it.
Before publishing AI-assisted visual content, verify that University names, logos, colors, marks and other brand elements are accurate and appropriately used. When in doubt, consult the Office of Communications and Marketing.
Review Before You Share
Before distributing AI-assisted content, take a moment to ask:
Is it accurate?
Verify names, dates, statistics, quotations, sources and factual claims. AI systems can produce information that sounds authoritative but is incorrect.
Is it appropriate?
Consider the audience, context, tone and potential impact of the message.
Does it sound like us?
AI-generated language should not replace the authentic voice, values and character of Norfolk State University.
Does it look like us?
Use official Norfolk State University logos, the approved tower mark and other authorized brand assets. Never substitute an AI-generated approximation for an official University mark.
Have I protected University information?
Do not place confidential, sensitive, personally identifiable or otherwise protected University information into AI systems unless the tool and use have been appropriately authorized.
Am I comfortable putting my name on it?
If the answer is no, the message isn't ready.
AI Should Augment Human Intelligence—Not Replace It
Responsible AI use is not about avoiding innovation. It is about combining the speed and capabilities of artificial intelligence with something technology cannot replace: human experience, judgment, context, empathy and accountability.
Our goal should be to become more capable because of AI—not less thoughtful because of it.
As these technologies continue to evolve, Norfolk State University encourages our community to explore their possibilities, develop AI literacy and use emerging tools in ways that strengthen our teaching, research, operations and service.
Use AI wisely. Keep a Human at the Helm. Verify before you communicate. Protect the NSU brand.
AI can assist. You are responsible.
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Questions regarding University communications, messaging, logos and brand standards should be directed to marketing@nsu.edu