AI Policy
Standards for Utilizing Generative A.I. at the Southwest Shadow
Revised October 2024
The Southwest Shadow is dedicated to producing original, transparent content that upholds journalistic standards and practices. Recent advancements regarding artificial intelligence (A.I.) make it apparent the importance of detailing specific guidelines to ensure the responsible use of this technology within our publication.
As it stands, the usage of A.I. is permitted only to:
- Check for professional writing conventions and ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and structure in writing
- Transcribe student-conducted interviews or videos
- Generate story ideas
- Aid in analyzing or synopsizing the content of professional documents, videos or other media
- Provide general information about an unfamiliar topic with regards for the fact that information may be outdated or misleading, and with an understanding that any generated information needs to be cross-checked with a secondary source
- Enhance audio and visual media in a modest way without altering the content’s core message
- Assist with other activities when deemed necessary by the editorial board or adviser
A.I. may never be used:
- To generate copy for written content such as the story body or headlines
- As the sole verification of facts and other information or data
- To fabricate quotes or other firsthand accounts
Consequences for the violation of these standards may include:
- Prompting a review of these artificial intelligence standards
