Generative AI Community Guidance

The rapid development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked a second digital revolution within the Information Age. AI is already deeply embedded in our societal infrastructure, and recent advances in generative AI (GenAI) have presented a wide array of new challenges and possibilities. SEU is committed to helping our community of learners, educators, and leaders navigate this time with wisdom, creativity, and integrity. We are committed to promoting justice, peace, and human dignity, while working toward shared flourishing. This commitment extends to engaging with generative AI in ways that align with the university’s strategic intents, enhance the learning experience, and promote the common good. In fact, we are enthused about the potential for the responsible and impactful use of AI in our community and beyond. 

GenAI has great potential to address societal inequities, improve healthcare and education, and enhance interpersonal communication. There are risks, however, including the potential loss of privacy and the violation of artistic and intellectual property rights. Some worry that dependence on AI will lead to a loss of crucial skills and sensibilities, and others warn that widespread automation will wreak havoc on employment and the job market. We must not be naive: the use of AI, like any technology, is not value-neutral. History shows how easily tools can become counterproductive, generating more problems than they solve. Sometimes, they are even twisted into tools that threaten our wellbeing.  

SEU is committed to facing these concerns head-on, providing ethical leadership in AI use and setting an example for responsible engagement. This will require learning to use GenAI with humility, playfulness, respect, and self-control, undergirded by a commitment to do no harm and a readiness to redress wrongs. 

At SEU, students are empowered to discover their divine design, learning how they can contribute to the work of Christ and the mission of the church for the good of the world, and especially those most vulnerable and most in need. Our Christian convictions teach us that creativity and moral responsibility are essential aspects of our share in the image of God.  The church’s mission includes using AI to serve others, meeting their needs, and reflecting God’s love. We believe that with the Spirit’s help, we can transform tools of harm into instruments of peace.