boisestate.ai FAQs

Q: What is http://boisestate.ai ?

A: http://boisestate.ai is Boise State University's own generative AI platform created and supported by university staff. It functions similarly to ChatGPT and Gemini but is hosted and controlled by Boise State.

Key differences from ChatGPT/Gemini:

• Hosted by Boise State (closed system)

• Conversations are private to Boise State

• Integrated with Boise State policies and resources

• Support available from Boise State IT staff

• Can be integrated with Boise State tools (Canvas, Drive, etc.)

For more information, visit the AI at Boise State website.

Q: How is http://boisestate.ai different from ChatGPT, Gemini, or other AI tools?

A: While all generative AI tools work similarly, http://boisestate.ai has distinct advantages for Boise State users:

Q: Why should I use http://boisestate.ai instead of ChatGPT or other tools?

A: Good reasons to use http://boisestate.ai :

• It's free and easy to access with your Boise State account

• Your conversations stay within Boise State (not shared with third parties)

• Integrated with your other Boise State tools

• Direct support from Boise State IT

• Designed with institutional policies in mind

• You can use it for course and institutional work without license concerns

You can use ChatGPT or other tools too—http://boisestate.ai is just an institutional option.

Q: How do I get started with http://boisestate.ai ?

A:

1. Go to https://boisestate.ai

2. Log in with your Boise State credentials

3. Start a conversation or explore tutorials and guides

4. Read the Acceptable Use Policy to understand guidelines

Check the Getting Started Guide for a detailed walkthrough.

Q: Can I use http://boisestate.ai if I'm not taking classes right now?

A: No. You need to be currently enrolled and actively taking at least one course to access http://boisestate.ai . Access is tied to your active student status or staff/faculty appointment at Boise State.

Q: What if I'm a recent graduate or no longer enrolled?

A: Once you're no longer enrolled or employed, your access to http://boisestate.ai will be deactivated. If you need access for specific projects, contact LTS@boisestate.edu.

Q: Can I access http://boisestate.ai from outside the Boise State network?

A: Yes. http://boisestate.ai is accessible from anywhere with internet access. Just log in with your Boise State credentials.

Q: Why can't I log in?

A: Common causes:

• You're not enrolled or actively taking classes

• Your Boise State credentials are incorrect

• Your account is locked (too many login attempts)

• There's a temporary service issue

Try:

1. Verify you're enrolled in at least one class

2. Use your full email or username (check your Boise State email)

3. Reset your password if needed

4. Wait 15 minutes and try again

5. Contact IT Help Desk if the problem persists

Q: Can I have multiple http://boisestate.ai accounts?

A: No, you have one account tied to your Boise State identity. All your conversations, system instructions, and assistants are associated with this single account.

Q: Can I share what I create in http://boisestate.ai ?

A: Yes! You can share:

• Conversations (chat transcripts)

• System Instructions (behavioral guidelines)

• Prompt Templates (reusable prompts with form fields)

• Assistants (custom AI agents with documents)

Sharing options:

• Specific people: Enter email addresses to share with individuals

• Link sharing: Share a link with anyone at Boise State

• Public: Make available to all Boise State community members

See Sharing Conversations, Sharing System Instructions, Sharing Prompt Templates, and Sharing Assistants for details.

Q: Is http://boisestate.ai a closed system?

A: Yes—with important caveats. Here's what "closed system" means:

✅ What IS protected:

• All conversations are stored on Boise State servers

• Your data is not shared with third parties

• Conversations are not used to train external AI models

• Your intellectual property stays within Boise State

⚠️ Important exceptions:

• Still follow Boise State's Data Policy 8060 and AI Guidance

• Don't upload sensitive student data, SSNs, or confidential information

• Treat it like any other Boise State system regarding data protection

Bottom line: Your data is safer with http://boisestate.ai than with ChatGPT or Gemini, but follow normal data security practices.

Q: Where is my data stored?

A: Your data is stored on Boise State's servers in accordance with institutional policies and federal regulations. For detailed information, see the Privacy Policy (in development) or contact LTS@boisestate.edu.

Q: Can http://boisestate.ai see my conversations if I make them private?

A: Private conversations are only accessible to you. However, like any institutional system, Boise State IT staff could access them for maintenance, troubleshooting, or legal compliance (with proper authorization).

Q: Where can I find the privacy policy and accessibility statement?

A: http://boisestate.ai is maintained in accordance with Boise State's Generative AI Guidance and Policies.

Standalone privacy and accessibility statements are currently in development and being reviewed by the Office of the General Counsel. Check back soon, or contact LTS@boisestate.edu for the latest status.

Q: Why do I sometimes get inaccurate or wrong information from http://boisestate.ai ?

A: AI models can make mistakes for several reasons:

Why AI makes mistakes:

1. Ambiguous training data

   • If training data is contradictory, AI may guess the most plausible response

   • Can produce confidently-stated incorrect information ("hallucinations")

2. Outdated or incomplete information

   • AI training data has a cutoff date

   • Recent events or discoveries aren't in the model

   • Can't always distinguish between fact and speculation

3. Lack of fact-checking abilities

   • AI excels at pattern recognition and language prediction

   • Doesn't have built-in "fact-checking" like humans

   • Will confidently state things it's unsure about

4. Context limitations

   • Long conversations can lose track of context

   • AI might misunderstand your intent

   • Complex or multi-step reasoning can drift

5. Domain-specific knowledge gaps

   • Highly specialized topics may not be well-represented in training

   • New research or procedures aren't included yet

   • Niche fields may have poor accuracy

Q: How can I get better, more accurate responses?

A: No method is 100% foolproof, but these approaches help improve accuracy:

1. Provide context and specificity

• ✅ "I'm teaching a 300-level environmental science course on watershed ecology. Explain the concept of riparian zones."

• ❌ "Explain riparian zones."

2. Upload relevant documents

• Upload course materials, textbooks, or research papers

• Ask the AI to base its response on those documents

• This gives the AI "source of truth" to reference

3. Use web search (carefully)

• Enable web search in advanced settings

• Ask: "Search for current information about [topic]"

• Verify that web sources are reliable

• Be aware that web search itself can be biased or incomplete

4. Fetch specific URLs

• In advanced settings, enable "Fetch" to have AI read specific web pages

• More reliable than general web search

• Works best with well-structured content

5. Be specific in your prompting

• Include details about what you're trying to accomplish

• Specify format, tone, and audience

• Ask follow-up questions if the response doesn't seem right

6. Cross-check important information

• Never rely solely on AI for critical facts

• Verify using primary sources, textbooks, official databases

• Ask multiple AI tools to compare responses

7. Use system instructions to set expectations

• Create system instructions that remind the AI to be cautious

• Example: "If you're uncertain about accuracy, say so explicitly"

• Tell the AI to cite sources when possible

Q: What are the limitations of http://boisestate.ai ?

A: Key limitations to be aware of:

Q: What about academic integrity? Can AI-generated content be wrong in ways that hurt my work?

A: Yes. AI can generate plausible-sounding but incorrect information, which is especially dangerous for academic work.

Academic integrity best practices:

• ✅ Always verify AI-generated facts before citing them

• ✅ Check sources provided by the AI

• ✅ Use AI as a starting point, not an endpoint

• ✅ Cite AI use appropriately (follow your course guidelines)

• ✅ Never submit AI output as your own work

• ✅ Use AI to enhance your thinking, not replace it

See Academic Integrity Guidance for AI for detailed information.

Technical Issues & Support

Q: http://boisestate.ai is running slowly. What can I do?

A: Try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Refresh your browser (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R)

2. Clear your browser cache and cookies

3. Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

4. Disable browser extensions that might interfere

5. Close other tabs to free up memory

6. Check your internet connection

7. Wait a few minutes (might be server-side congestion)

If slowness persists:

• Contact IT Help Desk

• Note the time it occurred and what you were doing

• Share your browser type and version

Q: My conversation disappeared. Where did it go?

A: Try:

1. Refresh the page—it might still be there

2. Check your conversation history (left sidebar)

3. Search for keywords from the conversation

4. Log out and back in

If it's still gone:

• Conversations are automatically saved, but technical issues can occur

• Contact IT Help Desk with details

• Keep screenshots of important conversations for backup

Q: Can I export or download my conversations?

A: Depending on the platform, you may be able to:

• Copy and paste conversations into a document

• Use browser "Save As" to save the page

• Contact LTS@boisestate.edu for bulk export options

Formal export features may be added in future versions.

Q: How do I report a bug or technical problem?

A:

• Technical problems: Contact IT Help Desk

• Feature bugs: Use the Feature Request form

• Accessibility issues: Contact Accessibility Services

• Security issues: Contact IT Security

Provide as much detail as possible (screenshots, error messages, steps to reproduce).

Q: Who do I contact for help?

A:

Q: What policies apply to http://boisestate.ai ?

A: http://boisestate.ai is governed by several Boise State policies:

• Generative AI Guidance and Policies – Overall AI use and guidelines

• Information Privacy and Data Security (Policy 8060) – How data is protected

• Academic Integrity Policy – Using AI in coursework

• Acceptable Use Policy – Appropriate use of technology

• FERPA – Student data privacy

• Accessibility Policies – Inclusive design and access

Q: Can I use http://boisestate.ai for course assignments?

A: It depends on your instructor's policy. Follow these guidelines:

• Check your course syllabus for AI guidelines

• Ask your instructor if you're unsure

• Use AI as a learning tool, not a shortcut

• Cite AI use appropriately

• Follow academic integrity policies

See Academic Integrity Guidance for AI for detailed information.

Q: What about FERPA and student data privacy?

A: Important data protection guidelines:

• ❌ Never share student names + grades + identifying information