University of Hong Kong allows staff to use ChatGPT under new guidelines but students still banned
- Varsity softens stance on ChatGPT allowing staff to use it for free for trial from April 17 to June 30
- Students may be able to use it after institution’s Generative AI Task Force establishes policy and guidelines
“We are all aware of the significance of ChatGPT and keen to engage and experiment with it,” wrote Professor Ian Holliday, HKU’s vice-president for teaching and learning, in an online statement.
University staff will be able to use ChatGPT for free during a trial period from April 17 to June 30, according to Holliday, but a daily limit will be applied.
The university imposed nine terms and conditions on staff members using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, such as they could only use the service for work and research-related purposes.
They are also prohibited from abusing the tool or behaving in a way that could damage or negatively impact the service, such as hacking. Users will be responsible for verifying the accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses.
“Based on the usage pattern in this period, a charging system will be developed for a future roll-out,” he said. “Once HKU’s Generative AI Task Force has established a policy and guidelines for student usage, we will also make the platform available to students.”
The university in February announced a temporary ban on students using ChatGPT, or any other AI-based tool for coursework, assessments or classes, with any suspected violations to be treated as plagiarism.