AI Usage in Coursework

The Faculty Senate approved the following guidelines for the use of generative AI tools in Spring 2025. This language is designed to provide a flexible framework and is fully customizable to meet the unique needs of individual faculty members and their courses. Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these tools, faculty are encouraged to adapt these guidelines in ways that align with their teaching philosophies and course objectives. For convenience, this approved language has also been made available in Simple Syllabus for seamless integration into course materials.

🚫 AI Use Prohibited: The use of generative AI tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, Claude, Bing Chat, and similar platforms—for any part of this course, including assignments, projects, and exams, is strictly prohibited. Students are expected to complete all work independently, demonstrating their understanding and analytical skills without AI assistance. Use of these tools to generate or complete assignments will be treated as academic dishonesty, which may result in disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the instructor if they need support on assignments or understanding course material.
✅ AI Use Only with Instructor Permission: The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, Claude, and Bing Chat) for assignments requires prior approval from the instructor. When permitted, AI may assist with brainstorming, outlining, or language refinement. However, the use of AI for core analysis, research conclusions, or final drafting without permission is not allowed. Unauthorized use of AI may result in academic penalties, and students who have received approval must provide a description of how they used the AI tool and cite any generated content. This approach ensures that AI serves as a supplementary tool rather than replacing individual work.
📌 Limited AI Use for Specific Assignments Only: Generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, and others, may be used only for specific assignments as indicated by the instructor in this course. When permitted, AI can aid in generating ideas, drafting initial versions, or organizing information. For these designated assignments, students must document how AI was used and the extent of its influence on their final work, either through citations or an additional statement. For all other assignments where AI is not explicitly allowed, its use is prohibited and will be treated as academic misconduct if used improperly.
🔍 Selective AI Use for Research or Drafting Only: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, and Claude may be used for initial research, brainstorming, or drafting ideas, but students must ensure that all final submissions reflect their independent work. AI can assist with generating topic ideas, clarifying concepts, or producing rough drafts, but all arguments and conclusions should be the student's original analysis. Students should be prepared to discuss and demonstrate their understanding of their work, as reliance on AI should not replace  personal comprehension of the material.
📝 Guided AI Use with Citation: Students may use AI tools, including ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, Claude, and Bing Chat, to support their learning and writing, but must clearly cite any AI-generated content or assistance in their assignments. Appropriate use includes using AI for brainstorming, structuring ideas, or refining language; however, the core arguments and ideas should be the student’s own. Any text or concepts generated by AI that are included in the final submission should be identified and attributed to the tool used. Misrepresenting AI-generated content as one’s own original work is considered academic dishonesty and may result in penalties.
🌐 Unrestricted AI Use: Students are encouraged to use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bard, Claude, or Bing Chat, to enhance their learning, research, and assignments. These tools can be useful for brainstorming ideas, developing outlines, or drafting text, as well as generating insights for more complex projects. However, students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of any AI-generated information and ensuring the originality of their submissions. Proper citation of AI assistance is expected wherever relevant, following course-specific guidelines on attribution.