Suggested AI Policies and Statements for Syllabi (August 2024)

Background

Emerging generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ChatGPT and others, have become widely available recently (see this webpage from Jose Bowden for a helpful summary of different AI tools). While these tools offer inspiration and new opportunities, it’s important not to view them as unacknowledged replacements for the content created by students in their courses.

It is against the University’s Academic Integrity Policy for students to present work they did not personally complete as their own, and although the current policy does not specifically address AI, any work generated by an AI system that is not properly credited falls within the scope of this policy. An Academic Integrity Task Force is currently working on updating and revising our University’s policy, and revisions in it will include references to AI, but will not include (nor should it include) the kind of guidelines for faculty that we offer here.

The goal of this “Suggested AI Policies and Statements for Syllabi” document is to provide faculty with guidance on how to navigate the widespread use of AI tools in the classroom and select an AI policy and statement that best aligns with the pedagogical objectives of their course. This document was developed by a committee comprised of the following individuals:

• Janet Boyd, Interim Dean, Becton College
• Patty Keefe Durso, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
• Laila Khreisat, Associate Dean, Becton College
• Liz Panuccio, Associate Dean, Becton College
• Agie Markiewicz-Hocking, Assistant Dean for Curricular Initiatives and Assessment, Becton College
• Kate Spence, Director, Sammartino School of Education
• Xin Tan, Professor of MIS, Silberman College of Business; Faculty Director of the General Education Committee

We recommend that faculty assess whether AI tools align with their pedagogical objectives, and outline their AI course policies in a dedicated section of their syllabi. To assist with this, guidelines for the following three optional Interim AI Policy and Statements are provided below:

• Option 1: Generative AI tools are not allowed
• Option 2: Generative AI tools are allowed under specified circumstances, contingent upon acknowledgment
• Option 3: Generative AI tools are encouraged

Each option includes an opening statement and specific guidelines for each of the following criteria: acceptable level of use, rationale, student responsibility, instructor responsibility, and academic integrity.

Faculty may select one of the options to include on their syllabi (and are free to edit if they would like to add/edit/change anything). A table showing each of the optional policies side-by-side is also presented at the end of this document to help faculty review and determine the AI Policy and Statement that best aligns with their pedagogical objectives for each course.

Note that if faculty allow the use of generative AI tools, then it is imperative that students learn how to utilize these tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to enhance rather than impede their growth as creators, coders, writers, and critical thinkers. Fair access to these tools, along with equitable grading policies and student evaluation, should be ensured, regardless of whether students utilize AI tools in their coursework or not.

The Provost Leadership Council Workshop Series will be providing workshops and events in AY24-25 and forward to help provide both students and faculty with the knowledge and skills they need to work responsibly, productively, and ethically with generative AI tools.

Option 1: Generative AI tools are not allowed

All generative artificial intelligence tools are strictly prohibited in this class. You are expected to complete all of your work without the use of any generative AI tools. Students turning in work violating this policy will be subject to all academic and disciplinary procedures associated with plagiarism and cheating.

Acceptable Level of Use: To what extent can I use AI in this course?

The use of AI tools, including but not limited to generative AI models, is strictly prohibited in this course.

Rationale: How was the acceptable level of use determined?

I encourage you and your classmates to engage with course material and develop your skills through active learning. The use of AI tools in this course may undermine your learning process and hinder the development of your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Student Responsibility: What am I responsible for? What do I need to know?

You are responsible for completing all course assignments, projects, and assessments using your own skills and knowledge without reliance on AI-generated content. Accordingly, you are expected to keep track of your working process (such as notes, library research, etc.) in case you are asked to demonstrate that your work is not AI generated.

Instructor Responsibility: How will my instructor assess my work?

In addition to assessing each assignment based on stated criteria, I will evaluate all assignments based on the originality and authenticity of your work. The use of AI-generated content will have a negative impact on your success and grade.

Academic Integrity: How can I use AI responsibly in this course?

Any use of AI tools to generate content for course assignments constitutes a violation of academic integrity and will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the university’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Option 2: Generative AI tools are allowed under specified circumstances, contingent upon acknowledgment

As the technological world grows, I want to work with you to help you build technological literacy skills. To this end, I see emerging technologies, such as generative AI, as useful in the learning process in this course but not as replacements for your own creativity and achievements. Thus, I have crafted this course to give you space and tools to explore various ways of engaging AI in your own process of study. To the best of my ability, I will work to help you learn when it is appropriate to use generative and other AI tools, to what extent you can engage with AI without entering ethically murky waters, and where the boundary between your work and AI generated work is. My goal is to prepare you to engage with current and future technologies in a thoughtful, critical, and productive way.

Acceptable Level of Use: To what extent can I use AI in this course?

You may use generative AI tools in specific contexts within this course, provided that their use is acknowledged and appropriate. You may use generative AI tools for initial stages of the learning process including brainstorming, idea generation, and creative exploration. They may also be utilized to assist in drafting initial concepts or generating supplementary materials such as summaries or notes.

Rationale: How was the acceptable level of use determined?

The primary goal of permitting the use of generative AI tools is to encourage your experimentation, exploration, and creativity in the learning process. You are encouraged to use these tools as learning aids to enhance your understanding and engagement with course material.

Student Responsibility: What am I responsible for? What do I need to know?

You are expected to acknowledge your use of generative AI tools for any purpose within this course. This includes indicating the specific tool used and its role in your creative process. While generative AI tools can be valuable aids, they are not a substitute for your independent thinking and creativity. You should use these tools as supplements to your own ideas and insights, rather than relying on AI-generated content.

Instructor Responsibility: How will my instructor assess my work?

I reserve the right to specify additional guidelines or restrictions on the use of generative AI tools throughout the course. In addition to the assessment modes established for grading your work, I will assess your work for originality. Please consult with me to ensure that your work is utilizing generative AI tools ethically as well as within the bounds of permissible use.

Academic Integrity: How can I use AI responsibly in this course?

It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of generative AI tools complies with academic integrity standards. Any attempt to misrepresent AI-generated content as original work will be considered a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy. If you are unsure, please consult with me in advance.

Option 3: Students are encouraged to use generative AI tools

Artificial intelligence is on the rise and will be actively engaged in this course. You are invited to use the technology thoughtfully and ethically. Your ideas about the use of AI in your educational process are welcome in this class, and you are encouraged to strategize with your peers and me on ways to use AI ethically and productively.

Acceptable Level of Use: To what extent can I use AI in this course?

You are encouraged to incorporate generative AI tools into your coursework to enhance your learning experience and foster creativity.

Rationale: How was the acceptable level of use determined?

Generative AI tools offer unique opportunities for exploration and innovation. You are encouraged to experiment with these tools to generate new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. By leveraging generative AI tools, you can augment your creative process and unlock new possibilities in your academic work. These tools can serve as valuable resources for brainstorming, idea generation, and content creation. Engaging with generative AI tools fosters the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills. You can refine your abilities to evaluate, adapt, and utilize emerging technologies in various contexts.

Student Responsibility: What am I responsible for? What do I need to know?

While using generative AI tools, you should acknowledge their role in the creation process. Proper acknowledgment ensures transparency and ethical conduct in academic endeavors. Generative AI tools can facilitate collaboration and communication among peers, and you are encouraged to share your experiences, insights, and creations with your classmates to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Instructor Responsibility: How will my instructor assess my work?

To the best of my ability, I will provide guidance, support, and feedback on your use of generative AI tools. You are encouraged to seek assistance from me when you encounter any challenges or have questions about incorporating these tools into your coursework.

Academic Integrity: How can I use AI responsibly in this course?

It is essential for you to uphold academic integrity while utilizing generative AI tools. You should ensure that your use of these tools complies with academic standards, respects intellectual property rights, and does not violate FDU’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Side-by-side comparison of options