Don’t see a tool you would like to use or would like to request the re-evaluation of a tool for your use case? Contact the IT Service Desk at itsd@ua.edu or 205-348-5555 to ask for a review.
Available Tools without Restrictions:
- Adobe Firefly – A generative AI model by Adobe that enables users to create and manipulate images, videos, and designs through simple text prompts.
- Azure OpenAI Service** – A cloud-based service by Microsoft that provides access to OpenAI’s powerful AI models, enabling developers to integrate advanced language understanding and generation into their applications.
- Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection – A secure AI assistant integrated into Microsoft products that ensures data protection and privacy while helping users with tasks.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot* – An AI-powered assistant within Microsoft 365 applications that enhances productivity by assisting with writing, summarizing, and generating content. $360/account/year.
- Zoom AI – AI-driven tools within Zoom that enhance video conferencing experiences through features like real-time transcription, meeting summaries, and background noise reduction.
*Reach out to OIT for access via the IT Service Desk at itsd@ua.edu or 205-348-5555
**Service may be used with sensitive and restricted data, but such use requires following guidance from OIT Security. Reach out to security@ua.edu.
Available Tools with Restrictions:
These services are available for use but should not be used with sensitive or restricted data.
- Google Gemini* – A suite of advanced AI models by Google that integrate language understanding, generation, and multimodal capabilities to enhance a wide range of applications and services. Pricing available here: Pricing | Generative AI on Vertex AI | Google Cloud
- Google NotebookLM* – AI-powered research assistant
- OpenAI ChatGPT Plus**, Pro**, or Team Edition – an artificial intelligence model that can generate human-like text. If using Plus or Pro, ensure “Improve the model for everyone” is disabled by following these instructions – https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-faq
ChatGPT is not purchased through OIT and should be purchased following your department’s internal processes. - Otteri.ai Pro or Business – An AI-powered transcription service that generates real-time, accurate transcripts of meetings, lectures, and conversations for easy review and collaboration.
- Anthology Blackboard Learn AI Design Assistant – easily build course structure, assessments, rubrics, and more in Blackboard Learn Ultra.
- Gamma Pro – Build and format presentations, documents, and websites. This is approved for use with unrestricted data only and UA branding may not be uploaded to this service.
- Apple Intelligence – Genmoji and Image Playground are available for use.
- GitHub Copilot – AI programming assistance.
- Anthropic Claude.ai – Pro or higher is approved for use but may not be used with sensitive or restricted information. Do not opt in to allowing the platform to use your data for training.
- Jira AI – AI capabilities in Jira that assist in project management by automating routine tasks, predicting project timelines, and enhancing issue tracking and prioritization.
*Reach out to OIT for access via the IT Service Desk at itsd@ua.edu or 205-348-5555
**For ChatGPT Plus and Pro, ensure “Improve the model for everyone” is disabled by following these instructions – https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-faq
Pending Review:
- Box AI – AI-powered features integrated into Box’s cloud content management platform, enhancing document organization, search, and workflow automation.
Prohibited Tools:
- Otter.ai Free – The free tier of Otter.ai’s transcription service offers limited features such as a set number of monthly transcription minutes, basic editing tools, and real-time transcription capabilities.
- Read.ai – An AI-powered tool that analyzes virtual meetings to provide real-time insights and analytics on engagement, sentiment, and participation, helping improve communication and productivity.
- Apple Intelligence – Writing and summarization tools are prohibited to ensure sensitive information, such as PII, FERPA information, etc. is not sent to Apple Private Cloud Compute.
- DeepSeek (Cloud) – an intelligent assistant for coding, content creation, file reading, and more. Hosting an instance locally via Ollama is permitted.
Q: What if the AI tool I wish to use is not something that is purchased, such as the free version of ChatGPT or Gemini?
A: The University of Alabama has approved use of Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection, which is built on Open AI technology but offers data protection for UA users. Even free software requires advance review and consideration. First, individual users do not have signature authority to bind the institution to the terms and conditions that must be accepted prior to use or download. Secondly, UA users must not disclose UA Sensitive or Restricted/PHI information to a third party without an agreement protecting this information. For use of AI tools or systems for official UA purposes, even if they are free of charge, please submit a request through UA IT.
When using AI tools, be sure to adhere to OIT’s AI Minimum Security Standard.