AI Guidelines
The AI Guidelines of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol provide guidance for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. They establish a shared framework for study, teaching, research, and administrative services, and promote a transparent, reflective, and legally compliant approach to working with AI.
Strategy & Objectives
The AI Guidelines are part of a comprehensive AI framework at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.
They connect strategic objectives with practical guidance for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in study, teaching, research, and administration.
The aim is to consciously leverage opportunities, address risks transparently, and foster an open, reflective approach to AI - through clear guiding principles, transparent processes, and legally sound frameworks.
Principles & Responsibility
A responsible approach to artificial intelligence is a core element of the AI Guidelines. The following principles apply across all areas and uses of AI at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol:
- Fairness and the management of bias
- Data protection and data security
- Transparency and traceability of decisions
- Impact of AI on learning, work, and organizational processes
- Human oversight and AI skills / competencies of the people involved
The use of artificial intelligence at HOK is guided by applicable legal frameworks - most notably the EU AI Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - as well as by recognized ethical principles.
These guidelines are intended as guidance and do not replace any statutory or university regulations (last updated: August 2, 2026).
AI GUIDELINES IN Use
AI & Studies
Artificial intelligence can support students in learning, research, and structuring their work. It is intended to enhance the learning process and strengthen independent academic performance.
Guiding Principles
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AI is used to support learning, not to replace individual academic work.
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The use of AI must be disclosed in all assessment-relevant work.
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Students remain responsible for the content and outcomes of their work.
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Decisions regarding admission, assessment and examination performance are not made fully automatically by AI; the final assessment rests with the responsible teacher.
Notes & Further Information
- For assessment-relevant work, the specific requirements of the respective course apply.
- Detailed information is available in the PDF Guidelines for AI & Studies.
Questions about using AI in your studies?
Contact the designated point of contact at HOK.
AI & Teaching
Artificial intelligence can support lecturers in designing courses, assessment formats, and feedback processes. Its use should be pedagogically sound and ensure transparency and fairness for students.
Guiding Principles
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AI is used as a supportive tool in teaching.
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The use of AI must be transparent to students.
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Assessment formats take the responsible use of AI into account.
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AI-supported emotion or attention recognition of students does not take place.
Notes & Further Information
- Lecturers decide on the use of AI in their courses within the applicable requirements and guidelines.
- Detailed information is available in the PDF Guidelines for AI & Teaching.
Questions about using AI in teaching?
Contact the designated point of contact at HOK.
AI & Research
Artificial intelligence is an important tool in applied and academic research. Its use supports the analysis of complex research questions and the development of innovative, practice-oriented solutions.
Guiding principles
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The use of AI is aligned with the principles of good scientific practice.
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Research results must remain transparent and verifiable.
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Researchers are responsible for the data, methods, and outcomes of their work.
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AI cannot to assume responsibility.
Notes & Further Information
- When using AI in research, ethical, legal, and data protection considerations must be taken into account.
- Detailed information is available in the PDF Guidelines for AI & Research.
Questions about using AI in research?
Contact the designated point of contact at HOK.
AI & Administrative Services
Artificial intelligence can make administrative processes more efficient, transparent, and service-oriented. It supports staff in routine tasks and in preparing decision-making information.
Guiding Principles
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AI is used as a supportive tool; responsibility for decisions remains with the responsible staff members.
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Its use complies with data protection requirements and security standards.
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Responsibilities and control mechanisms are clearly defined.
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AI-powered chatbots or assistance systems that interact with people identify themselves as AI.
Notes & Further information
- Decisions with legal or organizational relevance remain with the responsible staff members of HOK.
- Detailed information is available in the PDF Guidelines for AI & Administrative Services .
Questions about using AI in administrative services?
Contact the designated point of contact at HOK.
AI Competence Center Kufstein
The AI Competence Center brings together HOK’s activities in the field of artificial intelligence and serves as a central point of contact for collaborations with companies, external partners from business and society, application-oriented projects, and knowledge transfer.
Cooperation & Knowledge Transfer
Questions about AI projects or collaborations with external partners?
Contact our central point of contact for external partners.
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol on AI?
HOK understands artificial intelligence as a supportive technology that should be used responsibly, reflectively, and transparently. At the centre are people, the quality of learning, working, and research processes, as well as a conscious approach to both opportunities and risks. AI is intended to empower rather than replace responsibility and must always be used in accordance with ethical and legal principles.
Why has HOK developed AI guidelines?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in studies, teaching, research, and service units. The AI guidelines provide a shared framework for orientation, offering security, transparency, and clarity in the use of AI-based applications. Their aim is to promote responsible use while at the same time allowing room for innovation and further development.
Who do the AI guidelines apply to?
The AI guidelines are addressed to all members of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol — particularly students, lecturers, researchers, and staff in the service units. They provide guidance for different roles and areas of responsibility and support a consistent approach to the use of artificial intelligence in everyday university life.
What do the AI guidelines regulate – and what do they not regulate?
The AI guidelines define fundamental principles, responsibilities, and positions for the use of artificial intelligence at HOK. However, they do not replace existing regulations, examination rules, or legal requirements, nor do they include a list of specific AI tools. Individual case-by-case decisions continue to be made within the relevant academic or organizational context.
How are ethical and legal aspects taken into account?
A responsible approach to artificial intelligence is a core element of the AI guidelines. This includes, in particular, aspects such as fairness, the handling of bias, transparency, data protection, and information security. The use of AI is guided by applicable legal frameworks, including the EU AI Act, as well as by recognized ethical principles.
When do the new AI rules of the EU AI Act apply?
The EU AI Act is being phased in.
Since February 2, 2025, the prohibition of certain practices (including emotion recognition in education and employment) and the requirement for appropriate AI skills / competencies have been in effect.
Transparency obligations (e.g., labeling of AI chatbots) will apply from August 2, 2026.
Specific obligations apply to high-risk applications in education (approval, assessment, determination of educational attainment, and examination supervision). These regulations will apply no later than December 2, 2027.
The HOK is preparing for this and ensuring that AI used in decision-making is only supported and deployed under human supervision.
How do the AI guidelines remain up to date?
The AI guidelines are designed as a living document. They are reviewed on a regular basis and further developed as needed in order to respond to technological, legal, and societal developments. Feedback from studies, teaching, research, service units, and external partners is incorporated into this process.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the use of AI?
For general questions regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence, a central contact point is available at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. Depending on the nature of the inquiry, requests are forwarded to the relevant departments.
For specific regulations and practical examples, please refer to the respective guidelines for studies, teaching, research, and service units.