Updated: January 2026

This course is participating in the University of Toronto’s “AI Virtual Tutor Initiative“, using Cogniti. Cogniti is a generative AI chatbot, similar to ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, but specifically tailored to course content and integrated within Quercus. Cogniti is designed to support your learning by providing helpful responses to your course content-related questions. Please note that the accuracy and relevance of the answers will vary depending on the prompt used and the performance of the AI Virtual Tutor, which may evolve over the term as the technology advances and we refine the settings of the model.

As we explore this evolving frontier in educational technology, it is important to note a few key points:

• Your engagement with the AI Virtual Tutor is entirely voluntary and your decision to participate will not directly impact your grades or standing in a course.
• While it can be a valuable supplementary resource, it does not replace our Teaching Assistants or other existing learning supports.
• The University has thoroughly vetted the platform for data privacy and security. However, like all AI, it may occasionally provide inaccurate responses, so please always refer to our official course materials, the instructor, and TAs as authoritative sources.
• The AI Virtual Tutor should not be relied upon for critical course information such as deadlines, assignment instructions, or exam details. Always refer to the official course syllabus, Quercus announcements, and direct communications from the instructor or TAs for authoritative and up-to-date information regarding course logistics and requirements.
• The AI Virtual Tutor should be used for course-related purposes only – it has been directed to only respond to course-related topics, though it will make a best-effort attempt to direct students towards appropriate University resources and supports where applicable.
• Please refrain from including any personal or sensitive information in your prompts. It is also important to understand that from time to time instructors may review or monitor chats to ensure the tool is working properly or to support quality improvement but there will not be consistent monitoring. Your use of the AI Virtual Tutor (and the questions/prompts you use) will remain anonymous, except in very limited circumstances (e.g. harm to yourself or others; harassing, abusive or discriminatory language; or where required by law).
• Lastly, while no data will be shared outside of the University, de-identified chat history and usage metrics may be used to support virtual tutor quality improvement. 
• Please review the Academic Toolbox Privacy FAQ for more information.

Through your participation, you will be helping the University understand how course-tailored generative AI can enhance the learning experience in this course and across U of T. You may be asked by your instructor to provide your impressions of using the AI Virtual Tutor, which will be used only for internal quality improvement purposes and is completely voluntary.

For more information on the AI Virtual Tutor Initiative, refer to Generative AI Tools – Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation. If you have any questions about the initiative, please contact your course instructor.