AI and Academic Integrity

Balancing Innovation with Academic Standards

The integration of AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges for academic integrity. While AI can enhance learning and creativity, it also requires clear guidelines to ensure that student work remains authentic and meaningful. Our approach focuses on teaching responsible AI use rather than restricting access to these important tools.

Core Principles for Academic Integrity in the AI Era

Transparency
Students should always disclose when and how AI tools were used in their work, including the specific prompts and extent of assistance.
Original Thinking
AI should support, not replace, students' critical thinking and creativity. The learning process remains paramount.
Attribution
All AI-generated content should be properly cited, just like any other source, with clear documentation of how it was used.
Purpose-Driven
AI use should align with learning objectives and enhance educational outcomes, not circumvent the learning process.
Verification
Students should verify the accuracy of AI-generated content before incorporating it into their work and understand its limitations.
Accountability
Students remain responsible for understanding and being able to explain all content they submit, regardless of how it was created.

Guidelines for Appropriate AI Use

Examples of Appropriate Uses

Brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts
Receiving feedback on writing structure and clarity
Exploring alternative explanations for complex concepts
Creating first drafts that will be substantially revised
Generating practice materials for self-study

Uses Requiring Attribution

Incorporating AI-generated text with modifications
Using AI to help structure or organize content
Generating examples or analogies used in work
AI-assisted research or data analysis

Inappropriate Uses

Submitting AI-generated content as one's own work
Using AI to bypass engaging with course material
Using AI on assessments without explicit permission
Relying on AI without understanding the content

Assignment Design in the AI Era

Educators are encouraged to design assignments that:

Emphasize process over product by requiring documentation of thinking steps
Connecting learning experiences that AI cannot replicate
Require in-class components that demonstrate understanding
Include reflection on how AI was used and what was learned
Focus on higher-order thinking skills rather than information recall

Strengthening Strategies

Include AI usage reflection requirements
Design multi-step assignments with check-ins
Create rubrics that assess process and understanding
Incorporate peer review and discussion components
Use authentic, real-world problem-solving scenarios

Academic integrity in the AI era requires both students and educators to adapt. Emphasize learning and growth, not just finished products. When in doubt about appropriate AI use in assignments, encourage students to ask for clarification.