Skip To Main Content

Using AI at NMH

At Northfield Mount Hermon, our mission and values inform all we do, including the adoption of policies and practices related to generative artificial intelligence (AI). 

NMH embraces the guiding principle that any adopted AI policy or practice should strengthen our program. Our approach to artificial intelligence is rooted in human connection, ethical engagement, and purposeful learning. It centers on integrity, responsibility, and community impact. 

Fundamental to NMH’s program is the school’s commitment to nurturing strong connections between students and faculty, to delivering an exceptional academic program, and to stewarding campus resources with care. Therefore, the use of AI should be considered within the context of how its adoption would strengthen the delivery of the school’s program in these areas. 

 

Evolving Practices and Policies

Academics: In the classroom, NMH students and faculty may use AI to support the learning process and desired course outcomes, rather than to replace learning or critical thinking. We teach students to seek truths in knowledge and to connect with diverse perspectives in deep and meaningful ways. Our use of AI in the classroom is carefully structured to support these goals. 

NMH’s academic program promotes critical thinking and inquiry, creative thinking and innovation, self-discovery, humanity, communication, and collaboration. The integration of AI should foster the development of these competencies. We want students to engage deeply and do the hard work of implementing change in service to humanity. 

Specific policies guide student use (link to policy), including when and how AI may be used. 

Operations: In operations, NMH employees may utilize AI to enhance the delivery of the program in service to students, prospective students, and their families, as well as employees, alumni, and their families. AI may be integrated into communications, analytics, and financial operations. In all cases, the use of AI should advance the school's mission, ensure the thoughtful use of resources, and support the community's needs.

UNIVERSAL ACADEMIC INTEGRITY EXPECTATIONS

  • If your teacher forgets to specify allowed use, assume that AI is not allowed.
  • Read and follow the specific instructions for AI use provided by your teacher.
  • Only use platforms explicitly allowed by your teacher.
  • Acknowledge specific uses of generative AI and provide a link to the chat.
  • Cite any AI-generated content according to practices of the discipline (e.g., MLA, Chicago, or APA).
  • Take responsibility for the final product. Read over and “approve” the work before submitting.

CONSIDERATIONS

Academic integrity, intellectual property, and copyright laws: Our community upholds the highest standards of academic honesty in all uses of AI. We respect original thought, protect intellectual property, and ensure that all creative and scholarly work follows copyright and citation best practices.

Environmental stewardship: Recognizing that technology carries environmental costs, we strive to use AI responsibly and sustainably. Our goal is to balance innovation with environmental awareness, minimizing resource use and promoting digital sustainability.

Quality, accuracy, and bias: We approach AI as a tool to enhance learning and decision-making while maintaining human judgment at the center. Our work emphasizes the importance of accuracy, fairness, and awareness of potential bias in AI-generated content. We will examine each result to ensure we are not perpetuating misinformation or biased information. 

Confidentiality and privacy: We are committed to safeguarding personal and institutional data. All uses of AI are guided by strong privacy protections and ethical data practices that respect the confidentiality of students, faculty, and staff.

Operational impact: We thoughtfully explore how AI can support our school’s mission and daily operations. By integrating AI responsibly, we aim to enhance efficiency and creativity while maintaining the human connections that define our community.

Approved tools: Only AI tools that have been reviewed through our AI Tool Assessment Rubric and align with our Staff and Student Agreements are approved for use. This vetting process ensures that every tool we adopt supports our educational mission, upholds privacy and ethical standards, and contributes positively to teaching and learning.