Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Use Policy
Program Evaluation Core – Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools
The Program Evaluation Core (PEC) at Northwestern University regularly uses generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools to support high‑quality, efficient, and rigorous evaluation services. GAI tools help PEC staff with tasks such as developing and refining surveys or interview protocols, organizing qualitative or quantitative data, and drafting preliminary summaries or visualizations. These tools assist our evaluators but do not replace human expertise.
How We Use GAI
GAI may be used to:
- Brainstorm or refine evaluation instruments
- Organize, summarize, or explore de‑identified data
- Support initial coding or thematic grouping of qualitative data
- Assist in drafting sections of reports or summaries
All GAI-supported content is reviewed, edited, and confirmed by PEC’s evaluation human professionals before it is used in any deliverable.
Our Commitment to Privacy and Ethics
- We use only Northwestern-approved tools and systems that are level 1, level 2, and most level 3 data compliant (e.g. CoPilot on Microsoft Azure). When using 3rd party software, we do not upload identifiable, sensitive, or confidential information into GAI tools unless those tools have been approved by Northwestern University for secure and compliant use.
- When appropriate, data are anonymized or aggregated before processing.
- GAI is used only to support analysis—not to make decisions about programs or individuals.
- PEC follows Northwestern policies, IRB requirements, and ethical evaluation practices to ensure fairness, accuracy, and protection of participant data.
Transparency
When GAI tools play a meaningful role in an evaluation process, PEC may disclose this in project reports or methodology sections. Human evaluators remain responsible for all interpretations, findings, and recommendations.
For questions about how PEC uses GAI tools in its evaluation work, please contact:
Program Evaluation Core, Northwestern University
programevaluationcore@northwestern.edu
https://www.northwestern.edu/programevaluationcore/
Revision & Date: Rev 2.0 - 05-08-2026