Do It Yourself vs. Partner With IT

Most AI ideas start with you — and that's by design. Create inside approved AI tools. When your solution grows, IT partners with you to take it further.

When You Can Do It Yourself

Use this path when your AI solution is for your own team or class and relies on approved tools you already have access to. No IT involvement needed — just build, use, and own it yourself.

For you, your team, or your class
You own the solution—no IT support needed
Use approved AI tools (e.g., CES ChatGPT, BYUI Copilot) to create chats and agents, using only data you’re authorized to access and use for that same purpose
Or build a custom / vibe-coded app that uses only public data
No additional software, subscriptions, or agreements needed
Failure is inconvenient, not critical

Examples

Meeting summaries Editing documents Analyzing data Study assistant Custom GPTs Custom Copilot agents in Teams

Review Data Guidelines →

When You Must Partner With IT

Choose this path when your solution will reach beyond your team, involve sensitive or institutional data, or require new software agreements and system integrations. IT will partner with you to keep it secure and sustainable.

Shared beyond your team, becomes an official BYU-Idaho solution, or is relied on by others to do their work
AI solutions that may share private data with other people
Custom / vibe-coded apps that access or use private data
Requires system integrations (APIs, etc.)
Requires new software, subscriptions, or agreements
Needs long-term support and availability

Examples

University chatbot Integrated applications Custom app using private data New vendor or contract

Partner with IT →

Why Can’t I Build a Custom App That Uses Private Data?

When you vibe-code something, even using approved tools, you are creating a new app. Apps that use private data need an appropriate security review before they can be approved, and that review depends on proper documentation. If you want to create a custom app that works with private data, IT is here to help.

Connect with IT →

My AI Solution Doesn’t Require Me to Partner With IT. Is There Anyone Else I Should Consult?

If you are using copyrighted materials, plan to publish or commercialize your work, or have other uncertainties about how the law applies to your custom solution (including “vibe coding”), you should contact the Intellectual Property Officer or Legal Counsel before you start. Ensuring compliance early protects both your work and the university.

Connect with the IP Office →