InfoGuides: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Mason AI Tools

AI Tools and Subscriptions

Please refer to your department's AI policy before using these tools for research or for coursework at George Mason University.

Mason Libraries does not provide subscription access to AI tools. Contact your unit or department if you would like to request access to additional paid AI tools or subscriptions.

This page will be updated as more university-wide AI tools are made available. Are we missing something? Email Dr. Heidi Blackburn to add additional AI tools.

Questions about how to access different AI tools for faculty research? Contact Charmaine Madison in ITS for more information. [opens new box]

ITS Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Administrative Purposes at Mason
The increasing popularity and accessibility to Generative AI and Large Language Model (LLM) tools such as ChatGPT have raised questions about their academic and administrative uses at Mason. This information is intended to guide administrative units in understanding the security and compliance considerations that must be observed when using these tools.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot for the Web, a free AI-powered web chat, is available for George Mason students and employees to access generative AI.
Zoom AI Companion
Zoom AI Companion is a generative AI digital assistant delivering powerful, real-time capabilities to help users improve productivity and work together more effectively. The AI Companion currently works with Zoom Meetings, Recordings, and Whiteboards. Certain features of Zoom AI Companion are now available to faculty, staff, and students using a George Mason license Zoom Pro account.

DeepSeek AI Ban on University Devices and Networks

Guidance on DeepSeek

On Tuesday, February 11, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 46, banning the use of DeepSeek AI and other applications owned by the Chinese company Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd. on all university-owned devices and university networks, effective immediately.

The use of DeepSeek AI at George Mason University is now strictly prohibited due to data protection, privacy, and security concerns. All university employees must comply with university policies, standards, guidelines, and federal regulations.

Platforms and Equipment Affected

Employees and contractors may not use university equipment to access or download DeepSeek AI, or any other application developed by DeepSeek. Students, employees, and contractors are prohibited from using university networks, such as eduroam and ResNet, to access or download DeepSeek AI, even on personal devices.

Removal of Apps

If you currently have DeepSeek AI downloaded on university-owned equipment, it must be uninstalled and deleted. University-owned equipment includes mobile phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, or other devices capable of connecting to the internet. It does not include personal devices for which employees receive a stipend for work use.

Not Impacted

Access to DeepSeek AI on non-state devices, over non-university networks, and for personal business is not impacted. Certain employees may be granted access for law enforcement-related purposes.

ITS Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Administrative Purposes at Mason
The increasing popularity and accessibility to Generative AI and Large Language Model (LLM) tools such as ChatGPT have raised questions about their academic and administrative uses at Mason. This information is intended to guide administrative units in understanding the security and compliance considerations that must be observed when using these tools.

Difference Between Traditional AI and Generative AI

Difference Between Traditional AI and Generative AI- It’s not an either-or choice between the types of AI; each has its strengths and uses and can work together.

AI tools are not search engines. While they might feel similar when you use them - you can type a question and get an answer from both - they actually function very differently.

AI tools generate output based on training data (the images and text used to train the tool enables it to shape a likely response), while search engines crawl the web to find sources that contain potential matches for a search query. The crucial difference being that a search engine connects you to published material that exists online while generative AI creates a new result based on the data it was trained on. Because AI tools are creating new content rather than quoting or referencing information from a specific, verifiable source, it's essential to critically evaluate AI output before using it in any way.(Understanding & Using AI)