Terms & Conditions

This document governs the DAC — DBS AI Cell at DBS Global University (DGU). The DBS AI Cell is the institution's premier body for Artificial Intelligence research, exploration, outreach and responsible innovation. It defines the organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, rules of conduct, accountability mechanisms and operational standards applicable to every member bearing a position within the DAC hierarchy.

The DBS AI Cell operates at the intersection of technology and humanity. Accordingly, all members are expected not only to pursue excellence in AI-driven initiatives but are equally bound to uphold the highest standards of AI ethics, responsible use and digital integrity in all activities of the Cell.

All position-holders must read, acknowledge and abide by this document in full. Ignorance of any provision contained herein shall not be considered grounds for exemption from disciplinary action.

Every member of the DBS AI Cell commits to the following values in all activities, projects and partnerships undertaken on behalf of the Cell.

The DBS AI Cell exists to empower ideas with AI and technology. Guided by the three pillars of Innovate — Automate — Elevate, the Cell brings together students, faculty and industry to build a responsible, AI-powered future.

Vision

To be a leading, student-driven Artificial Intelligence cell that empowers ideas with AI and technology — innovating boldly, automating intelligently, and elevating people and institutions — while building a responsible, ethical and industry-connected AI ecosystem at DBS Global University and beyond.

Mission

• Provide a hands-on R&D platform where members explore, prototype and experiment with emerging AI tools and technologies.
• Bridge academia and industry through live industry projects, CXO networks and strong industry relations.
• Foster cross-border and inter-campus collaboration through events, workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Equip every member with practical skills in AI tools, operations management, and event and project management for real-world readiness.
• Champion the responsible, ethical and human-centred use of AI in every activity of the Cell.

Objectives

• R&D Platform — Build and sustain a dedicated platform for AI research, experimentation and prototyping.
• Live Industry Project Experience — Connect members with real-world problem statements and hands-on project delivery.
• Industry Relations & CXO Networks — Develop partnerships and leadership networks that open mentorship, internship and collaboration opportunities.
• Cross-Border Marketing & Outreach — Expand the Cell's reach and reputation across institutions and regions.
• Event & Inter-Campus Workshop Management — Create opportunities for members to lead conclaves, workshops and inter-campus events.
• Operations Management Platform — Streamline the Cell's internal workflows, planning and coordination.
• AI Tools Hands-on Experience — Deliver structured sessions, demos and challenges on practical AI tools.
• AI Industry Knowledge & Insights — Curate and share current AI trends, research and insights to keep members ahead of the curve.

The DAC operates on a four-level hierarchical structure. Each level has clearly defined authority, scope and accountability, flowing from Leadership at Level I down to Execution at Level IV. Each level reports upward to the level immediately above it; communication and decision-making follow this chain unless an emergency warrants direct escalation to Level I.

Full role responsibilities for each position — Club Bearers, Secretaries, Supervisors and Coordinators — are defined in the DBS AI Cell Official Rulebook and are binding on every bearer of that position.

As the DBS AI Cell is dedicated to advancing Artificial Intelligence, all members bear a heightened responsibility to understand, uphold and actively promote ethical AI principles. This framework is not aspirational — it is mandatory. Every activity, project, event and communication of the Cell must be guided by the principles set out herein.

Foundational Principles

Responsible Use of AI Tools

• AI tools may assist in content creation, research and event planning, provided the final output is reviewed, edited and owned by the member.
• AI-generated content presented at any DAC event or official communication must be disclosed as AI-assisted unless substantially reworked by the member.
• Members must not use AI tools to impersonate individuals, fabricate quotes, or generate misleading content about any person, institution or community.
• The use of AI to produce deepfakes, synthetic media, or any content designed to deceive is strictly prohibited and treated as Gross Misconduct.
• Confidential university data, personal student records, or private institutional information must not be entered into external AI platforms without written approval from Level I and the Faculty Advisor.
• All AI tools used in Cell operations must be logged in the Tech Supervisor's register, with a description of their purpose and the data they access.

Academic Integrity & AI

Members must not use AI tools to produce academic submissions and represent them as entirely their own work, in violation of DGU's Academic Integrity Policy. Where AI supports academic work, members must follow DGU's AI disclosure norms and cite AI assistance appropriately. DAC members are expected to be role models for responsible AI use in academia.

All DAC members, irrespective of level, are bound by the following standards of conduct. Violations are reviewed and actioned under the Disciplinary Framework.

Professional Standards

• Treat every member, faculty and external stakeholder with respect and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality of all internal discussions, financial data and strategic plans.
• Represent the DBS AI Cell with integrity in all institutional and public settings.
• Refrain from making unauthorized public statements on behalf of the DAC.
• Avoid conflicts of interest; declare any such conflict to Level I immediately.

Communication Standards

• Use official channels for all DAC communications and respond within 24 hours on working days.
• Maintain a courteous and constructive tone in all written and verbal exchanges.
• Do not share internal documents, media or data externally without written approval from Level I.

Attendance & Financial Integrity

• Maintain a minimum of 85% attendance at meetings relevant to one's level, with at least 12 hours' advance notice for any planned absence.
• No expenditure may be incurred on behalf of DAC without prior written approval from the Treasurer.
• All reimbursement claims must be submitted with original receipts within 7 days of expenditure.
• Misuse or misappropriation of DAC funds results in immediate suspension and investigation.

The Cell operates through General Body Meetings (monthly), Executive Review Meetings (bi-weekly), Operational Syncs (weekly), Domain Team Meetings (as needed) and Emergency Meetings (ad hoc, called by the President).

Decision Thresholds

• Routine decisions — Supervisors may decide independently within their domain.
• Mid-level decisions (budget > ₹5,000 or external commitments) — require Secretary sign-off.
• Major decisions (new partnerships, policy changes, events > ₹20,000) — require Level I approval.
• Constitutional amendments — require a unanimous Level I vote plus Faculty Advisor approval.

Categories of Violations

• Minor — Unexcused absence, delayed submissions, or unprofessional communication within official channels.
• Major — Repeated minor violations (3+ in a semester), unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, failure to perform role responsibilities despite warnings, or harassment, bullying or discriminatory conduct.
• Gross Misconduct — Financial fraud or theft, wilful sabotage of activities, forgery of official documents, or conduct that brings disrepute to DBS Global University.

Process

• A complaint is raised to the General Secretary in writing.
• The issue is logged and presented to Level I within 48 hours.
• The implicated member is given an opportunity to present their case within 72 hours.
• Level I deliberates and issues a ruling within 7 working days, communicated in writing and recorded in official records.

Penalties

• Minor — Written warning, then formal reprimand on repetition.
• Major — Temporary suspension from duties (2–4 weeks) or role demotion.
• Gross Misconduct — Permanent removal from DAC and referral to the university disciplinary committee.
• AI Ethics Violations — Treated on par with Major or Gross Misconduct depending on severity and impact.

Elections for Level I positions are held at the end of each academic year by secret ballot, overseen by the Faculty Advisor, with a simple majority determining the winner. Any active member with at least one full semester of service is eligible to contest, and the outgoing President remains available for a two-week handover.

Level II Secretaries are appointed by the incoming Level I office-bearers within two weeks of taking charge and ratified by a majority Level I vote. Level III Supervisors are appointed jointly by Levels I and II, while Level IV Coordinators are recruited through an open application process at the start of each semester based on motivation, availability, AI literacy and relevant skills.

Amendments

These terms may be amended by unanimous resolution of Level I (President, Vice President, Treasurer) with prior written approval from the Faculty Advisor. Amendments take effect 14 days after notification to all members.

Interpretation

In any dispute regarding interpretation, the decision of the President — in consultation with the Faculty Advisor — shall be final.

Supersession

These terms supersede all previous internal guidelines, norms and informal arrangements of the DBS AI Cell. Where any provision conflicts with a university policy, the university policy shall prevail.