BYU-Idaho/Web-Content huggingface dataset:
AI in Academics: Shaping the Future of Learning | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# AI in Academics: Shaping the Future of Learning at BYU-Idaho

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world. Our focus is on three core priorities that empower both students and faculty in the age of AI.

## Our Student-Centered, Future-Ready AI Priorities

Advance Knowledge & Enhance Learning

We are committed to helping every student and faculty member gain essential AI literacy. This involves equipping our community with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to utilize AI as a learning tool. The goal is to help students become ****agents to act****, not simply objects to be acted upon by technology, as they advance in their education.

Develop Workforce Readiness

The demand for AI-related skills is rapidly increasing across all industries. We are actively strengthening our connections with industry partners to integrate the practical applications of AI within our academic fields. We will use this knowledge to inform our program and course outcomes, assessments, and teaching practices. This ensures our graduates are workplace-ready and prepared to use AI for ****righteous work****, bringing their skills and faith to a competitive, ever-changing landscape.

Facilitate Student Support & Advising

Our goal is to leverage AI's ****untold possibilities**** to optimize student support and advising. We are exploring applications such as personalized academic plans, career path guidance, and timely support services. By using AI to enhance meaningful human interaction, we can help students navigate their educational journey and receive the guidance they need to succeed.
ChatGPT.edu Guidelines | BYU-Idaho

# ChatGPT Edu Data Guidelines

Because of the added data protection measures enabled through ChatGPT Edu and our specific contract, we are able to enter data that is classified as ****Public, Internal, and Confidential**** into the platform when it is necessary to do so for a legitimate business purpose.

However, due to the evolving state of AI tools and technologies, it is still important to exercise caution, so it is recommended to ****de-identify data when possible**** to add an extra layer of privacy and security protection. Some helpful information on de-identifying data can be found on the data de-identification page.

Additionally, to use this license, you should avoid entering the following types of data, unless approved by your institutional AI Committee:

- ****Restricted Data****: Includes Social Security Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, financial account information, health records, etc. You can read more about this category of highly sensitive data in the CES Information Classification standards.

- ****HIPAA-Protected Data****: Includes medical records numbers, health insurance beneficiary numbers, health insurance claims, payment history for medical services, invoices or billing statements related to health care services, health information such as diagnoses, treatment plans, prescription records, medical test results, and surgical and hospitalization records, or other biometric and genetic information like fingerprints, voiceprints, and genetic data.

- ****Controlled Unclassified Information****: Includes CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and export-controlled data (ITAR, EAR, and others). This is typically applicable to research sponsored by the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, and some other federal agencies.

More information about the CES Data Classification standard and examples can be found at CES Infomation Governance portal and specifically the CES Information Classification document.
GenAI and Custom Bots | Generative Artificial Intelligence | BYU-Idaho

# Custom Bots

Custom bots offer a powerful way to streamline tasks by automating specific procedures, applying unique knowledge, and even taking on different personalities. They can significantly reduce the time and effort required to complete various processes. However, while custom bots have great potential, they are not yet scalable in their current form. Many developers incur costs for each conversation, and users often need a paid subscription or face limited interactions under free plans. BYU-Idaho does not currently have a scalable solution for creating custom bots.

Below, we have curated a selection of custom bots that showcase their capabilities. Feel free to try them out, keeping in mind that they are provided here for demonstration purposes only.

BYU-Idaho Data Guide

This custom GPT is trained to help BYU-Idaho employees and students learn what data and AI tools may be used together.

BYU-Idaho Data Guide

Classroom AI Vision Assistant

This bot helps teachers refine their AI beliefs, vision statements, and classroom policies for their course syllabus.

Classroom AI Vision Assistant

TutorMe

Your personal AI tutor by Khan Academy, Khanmigo Lite, encourages problem-solving by asking questions rather than giving direct answers, helping students develop critical thinking skills.

TutorMe
TopHat Ace | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# TopHat Ace

****< GenAI Products Table****

Ace

TopHat 
Generative (Text) 
 
Top Hat Ace is an AI-powered assistant designed to support educators and students in higher education by streamlining course preparation and providing personalized study assistance. 
 
Academic Integrity 
 
Go to Ace

Conditionally Approved

This service is conditionally approved for BYU-Idaho use within BYU-Idaho's login. 
 
****Permitted Data Types:**** 
Public Data 
Internal Data without Personally Identifiable Information (PII) 
 
****Prohibited Data Types:**** 
Internal Data with PII 
Restricted Data

## Ace Features

AI-Generated Questions

Ace can generate multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations from your lecture slides or course content with a single click, facilitating the integration of low-stakes assessments into your teaching materials.

Lecture Enhancer

By analyzing your presentation slides, Ace suggests relevant questions to promote active learning and student engagement during lectures.

Editable Content

Educators retain full control, with the ability to review and edit AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their teaching objectives.

Practice Sessions

Students can engage in AI-generated practice sessions based on their course materials, receiving instant feedback to reinforce learning.

Integrated Learning

Ace's responses are contextualized within the course content, enabling students to deepen their understanding without leaving the learning environment.
Zoom AI Companion | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# Zoom AI Companion

****< GenAI Products Table****

AI Companion

Zoom 
Generative (Text) 
 
AI Companion is a GenAI tool that interfaces through the Zoom app. AI Companion can generate chat responses during Zoom calls, catch you up on what was previously discussed in a meeting, and much more. BYU-Idaho currently has contact with Zoom for the AI Companion service, and is being evaluated by campus test groups. 
 
Academic Integrity 
 
Go to AI Companion

Conditionally Approved

This service is conditionally approved. While using Zoom AI Companion as a university employee with a licensed account, Zoom AI Companion provides data protection. Use best judgement when deciding whether or not to use AI Companion features in any given Zoom meeting. Always adhere to the BYU-Idaho privacy policies. 
 
Learn more about Zoom's privacy policy.
Apple Intelligence | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# Apple Intelligence

****< GenAI Products Table****

Apple Intelligence

Apple 
Generative (Text and Image) 
 
Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system integrated into Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It leverages advanced generative models to enhance a wide range of features, helping users communicate, work, and express themselves more effectively. 
 
Academic Integrity 
 
Learn More About Apple Intelligence

Under Evaluation

Due to pending security and privacy reviews, Apple Intelligence is not approved at this time. Refrain from placing any Nonpublic Institutional Data into this service. Always adhere to the BYU-Idaho privacy policies. 
 
Learn more about Apple's privacy policy. Please continue following BYU-Idaho's privacy guidelines regarding this service.
Lucid Collaborative AI | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# Lucid Collaborative AI

****< GenAI Products Table****

Collaborative AI

Lucid 
Generative (Text) 
 
Collaborative AI is an AI feature that can be used within the Lucid application to create diagrams and text, sort content into groups, summarize diagrams, and more. BYU-Idaho is currently evaluating the use of Collaborative AI. 
 
Academic Integrity 
 
Learn More About Collaborative AI

Conditionally Approved

Due to pending security and privacy reviews, Collaborative AI is not approved at this time. Refrain from placing any Nonpublic Institutional Data into this service. Always adhere to the BYU-Idaho privacy policies. 
 
Learn more about Lucids's privacy policy. Please continue following BYU's privacy guidelines regarding this service.
Grammarly GO | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

# Grammarly GO

****< GenAI Products Table****

GO

Grammarly 
Generative (Text) 
 
Grammarly GO is an AI service that takes a text prompt and generates a response based on training data. This service also has the ability to rephrase authored text, in an attempt to improve your writing. BYU has no current contract with Grammarly for the private use of GO. 
 
Academic Integrity 
 
Learn More About GO

Under Evaluation

This service is currently being evaluated for safety and privacy. Refrain from placing any Nonpublic Institutional Data into this service. Always adhere to the BYU-Idaho privacy policies. 
 
According to Grammarly's published Privacy Notice and security standards, data is kept strictly in system, so items entered into the model will remain within the model. However, please continue using BYU-Idaho's privacy guidelines regarding this service. 
 
Learn more about Grammarly's privacy policy.
AI 101: Faculty and Students | GenAI Training | BYU-Idaho

# AI 101: A Course for Faculty and Students

AI is no longer a futuristic concept--it's a critical tool in modern education and the workplace. At BYU-Idaho, we're committed to preparing both our faculty and our students to use artificial intelligence responsibly and with purpose. As President Meredith has expressed, he wants to ensure that our students leave the university prepared to be disciple leaders who are AI-literate and capable of leading in their homes and communities.

That's why we've developed AI 101, a new training module that will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need. This course is designed to empower you with the skills to use AI safely and to help your students do the same.

## The Employee Version

As a BYU-I employee, you have a unique opportunity to lead by example. The employee version of AI 101 is a self-paced, 60-90 minute course available for all faculty, employees, and administrators. This module will help you understand AI's core concepts, navigate official BYU-Idaho tools, and learn key principles of data privacy. It includes six short quizzes to check your understanding.

Enroll in the employee version of the course.

## The Student Version

Faculty can help students navigate the opportunities and risks of AI by introducing them to these principles early. We've made it easy for faculty to integrate the student version of this module directly into your existing course(s).

The student version of AI 101 covers essential topics such as:

- Understanding AI Ethics: What are the principles for using AI responsibly?
- Data Privacy: How can we protect university data and our own personal information?
- AI Tools: What are the best tools for students to use?

To add this module to one of your courses, follow the instructions here. You can then import it into any of your courses with just a few clicks. This is a simple yet powerful way to help your students become more aware and responsible digital citizens.
How to Use AI | GenAI Training | BYU-Idaho

# How to Use AI

GenAI can be used for a wide variety of applications. Here, you will learn about how to practically use GenAI services to accomplish some specific tasks, including summarizing information, creating images, simulating discussion, and creating and formatting documents. Information on how to better create prompts using strategies such as few shot prompting, chain of thought prompting, or "Act-as" prompting is also available on our Prompt Engineering Guide. If you are already familiar with the basics of generative AI -- how to enter a prompt, how to create a new chat, and so on, take a look at our other guides on the sidebar to the right.

## GenAI Fundamentals

Below is an example of a GenAI service's page; in this case, Microsoft Copilot. All BYU-Idaho employees and students have access to BYU-Idaho's enterprise version of Microsoft Copilot.

All BYU-Idaho students, faculty, and employees have access to Microsoft Copilot. You can access Microsoft Copilot by going to copilot.microsoft.com. Click on 'Sign In' in the upper right corner, and select 'Sign in with a work or school account'. Sign in with your BYU-Idaho email. This will protect any data you enter, preventing Copilot from using your information.

In order to use a GenAI service, the user will type a request into the box at the bottom of the page and hit the 'Enter' key. This request is called a prompt. Throughout this article, we will provide examples of prompts that can be entered into ChatGPT. In some GenAI services, such as Copilot, prompts can also include attached documents or images. For example, here is a basic prompt that can be entered into a GenAI service.

Prompt Example

****Prompt Example:**** Describe in two sentences a landscape with snow and mountains.

You can copy the text above and paste it into your GenAI service, or edit as you wish, and then press enter.

The text that your AI service returns to you is called the output. Here is an example of the output of the prompt entered above. Your output may be different, but will probably look very similar.

Any subsequent prompts can refer to the previous output. For example, we can ask the AI service to use a humorous tone.

When you are finished with the current topic and are ready to start on a different topic or task, hit the 'New topic' button (a blue circle with a chat message icon in the middle) to start again. If you do not hit the 'New topic' button, your GenAI service will use your previous prompts within that chat to help generate further answers, which can negatively effect the responses you receive. It is important to note that your previous chat will not be saved once you start a new chat in Microsoft Copilot. Other AI services have different ways of preserving previous chats.

Now that you are familiar with the fundamentals of using generative AI, visit one of the tutorials on the right side of the page to learn some practical ways to use generative AI.
AI Updates | GenAI | BYU-Idaho

AI Updates

Gemini Gems Bring Personalized AI Assistants to Education and Research

By 
University AI Office

September 24, 2025 10:55 AM

Ever wished for an AI assistant you could customize? Now you can with ****Google Gemini Gems****--and they're shareable, allowing you to create and collaborate on powerful AI tools for your classes, projects, and more.

2 Min Read

Get Involved

AI Updates

AI 101 Course: Grounded in Prophetic Counsel

By 
University AI Office

September 15, 2025 08:35 AM

This new training course helps you align your use of AI with the BYU-Idaho mission and ethical principles, grounded in prophetic counsel from Elder Bednar.

1 Min Read

Get Involved

AI Updates

New Gemini Image Generation Updates

By 
University AI Office

August 27, 2025 01:04 PM

New AI tools are revolutionizing how we preserve memories, with the ability to fix old photos and make them look brand new. Read more about the amazing potential and the crucial cautions you need to be aware of.

3 Min Read

Get Involved

AI Updates

Concerns with Connectors

By 
University AI Office

August 11, 2025 03:12 PM

Many AI tools are releasing features that allow you to connect your BYU-Idaho accounts to AI models...

1 Min Read

Get Involved

AI Updates

NotebookLM Now Has Video Summaries

By 
University AI Office

August 11, 2025 03:11 PM

Easily generate explainer videos to accompany any content in NotebookLM.

1 Min Read

Get Involved

AI Updates

Gemini in Canvas

By 
University AI Office

August 11, 2025 03:10 PM

The Canvas Gemini LTI now allows faculty to share a NotebookLM directly in Canvas. All permissions are automatically handled via the Canvas LTI.

1 Min Read

Get Involved
AI 101 Course: Grounded in Prophetic Counsel | Gen AI | BYU-idaho

BYU-Idaho is excited to introduce the new AI 101 training course, designed to help employees use AI tools effectively and responsibly.

This training highlights how AI can support your work while aligning with the university's mission and ethical standards, guided by prophetic counsel from Elder Bednar.

Completing the course will equip you with practical knowledge and confidence as we continue exploring AI together.

Sign up to take the AI 101 training and get started today!
Gemini Gems Bring Personalized AI Assistants | Gen AI | BYU-Idaho

The world of AI is constantly evolving, and Google Gemini is once again pushing the boundaries with a fantastic new feature: shareable ****Gems****. But what exactly are these "Gems," and why should our university community be excited about them?

## What Are Gems?

Gems are ****customized versions of the powerful Gemini AI model****. Think of them as specialized AI assistants you can build for specific tasks. Instead of a general-purpose AI, you can "train" a Gem with specific instructions and knowledge to become an expert in a particular subject, a style guide editor, or a personalized study partner.

## Why Are Gems Important for Our University?

The ability to create and share Gems is a game-changer for collaboration and innovation. They empower our community to:

- ****Improve Learning and Teaching:**** Create Gems to act as "test students" that can review an assignment before it's given to a class, or build a study companion to help students master a specific topic.
- ****Enhance Productivity:**** Develop Gems to act as an editor for a specific style guide, ensuring consistency in a course or research paper.
- ****Facilitate Collaboration:**** The sharing feature allows for group projects where a team can collaboratively build and refine a powerful AI tool together.

## How Can Our Community Use Them?

The applications for Gems are limited only by our creativity. Here are just a few ideas for how we can leverage this new tool:

- ****For Students:**** A Gem could walk you through a complex assignment step-by-step, helping you organize your research and structure your paper. Or it could be a specialized study buddy that quizzes you on course material.
- ****For Faculty:**** A Gem can serve as a "style guide editor" to ensure all course content follows a consistent format, helping students find and follow instructions more easily.
- ****For Researchers:**** A Gem could be trained on a specific set of academic papers to act as a research assistant, helping to verify content and summarize key findings.

## Ready to Create and Share?

Google Gemini has made sharing Gems incredibly flexible and powerful:

- ****Share with anyone at the university**** via a link, fostering collaboration among departments, faculty, and student groups.
- ****Grant "Editor" permissions**** to allow others to help you build and refine your Gem, giving groups the ability to collaboratively build powerful AI agents.
- ****Make your Gem public or private****, giving you full control over who can access your creation.

The ability to collaboratively build and refine AI agents opens up exciting new avenues for innovation, learning, and productivity. Let's start building and sharing!
General Education | BYU-Idaho

# General Education

As of Spring 2019, BYU-Idaho adopted a new General Education (GE) program. One of the primary highlights of the GE program is the flexibility it gives students to take degree-specific courses in their first and second semesters. Because of this, students will be able to explore their chosen major sooner to determine if it is a good fit for them.

Articulation Guide

## Current General Education Program Provides Greater Flexibility

The strength of the current GE program is that it keeps the academic core requirements from Foundations but adds greater flexibility for students in their selection of exploratory credits.

Students may choose between 3-6 credits (for a total of 15 exploratory credits) in the following three areas: Natural Science, Arts, and Humanities, and Social Science. This gives students the opportunity to take more courses that complement their major and career interests. This can help students determine if their declared major is the right fit for them early in their educational experience.

In addition, a new one-credit College Success course has been added to the academic core requirements designed to help freshmen navigate their first year at BYU-Idaho.

General Education Requirements for Bachelor Degrees General Education Requirements for an Applied Associate's Degree

## Foundations Still Applicable to Some Students

New students starting at BYU-Idaho on or after Spring Semester 2019 will automatically be assigned the GE program graduation requirements. Current students who want to declare one of BYUI's new majors will also move to the new GE requirements.

While changing from Foundations to GE may benefit some current students, others may benefit from staying with their current course of study and Foundations program requirements. Students who are interested in switching program requirements or changing their major should contact Academic Advising to determine if it is the right choice for them.
Department of Geology and Environmental Science | BYU-Idaho

# Department of Geology and Environmental Science

Gain a greater appreciation for the processes that shape, change, and safeguard our Earth.

## Hands-on, Real-World Experiences

BYU-Idaho's unique location offers students an exceptional experience to study some of the most famous geological locations in the world.

Local and regional field trips and other off-campus field experiences enhance students' understanding of powerful geologic processes and prepares them for future careers.

Geology students develop critical thinking and communication skills, earning a strong background in science, technology, and mathematics.

## Bachelor's Degrees We Offer

For general information about each of our offerings, visit our 
Degrees and Programs page.

Environmental Geoscience (B.S.)

Solve environmental problems and challenges by studying the Earth.

Geology (B.S.)

Study the Earth's solid matter, history, structure, and processes.

## Minors Offered

Middle School General Science Education

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Geology

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Natural Science Education

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