AI-use Policy Templates
As part of the Morningside GSBS commitment to academic integrity and clarity, faculty are required to include a statement on their syllabus outlining their course policy regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools. To support you in this effort, we have developed a set of example templates addressing a range of GenAI-use approaches, from full prohibition to conditional or permissive use with guidelines.
These templates are designed as starting points and can be freely adapted to fit the unique needs of your course. Please note that they are not prescriptive, and you are encouraged to customize them as appropriate. Feedback and suggestions for additional examples are always welcome as we continue to navigate the evolving role of AI in education.
Permissive Statement with Attribution Guidelines
Appropriate Use of AI Tools
Students are permitted to use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) in this course/for this assignment to support their academic work, provided that their use aligns with the following guidelines:
- Allowed Uses:
- Outlining: Using AI to help brainstorm or organize ideas into a structured outline for written assignments.
- Summarizing Documents: Using AI to create summaries of articles, research papers, or other readings, provided the summary is treated as a preliminary resource and not a substitute for a full reading.
- Editing and Proofreading: Leveraging tools for grammar checks, clarity improvements, or stylistic refinements.
- Supplementary Learning: Using AI for explanations of course concepts or generating study questions.
- Attribution Requirements:
- Any use of AI tools must be clearly disclosed in the submitted work. For example:
- In an outline: "This outline was partially generated using ChatGPT for brainstorming and organization."
- In a document summary: "A summary of [Title] was initially generated using ChatGPT and revised based on my reading of the text."
- For editing: "Grammarly was used to refine grammar and clarity in this paper."
- Student Responsibilities:
- Verification: Students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of any AI-generated content. AI outputs can contain errors, misinterpretations, and plagiarized text.
- Understanding: Summaries or outlines generated by AI do not replace the responsibility to engage with and understand assigned materials in depth. Relying solely on AI for comprehension will hinder learning and negatively impact scientific development.
- Prohibited Uses:
- Submitting AI-generated work as original content without modification and attribution.
- Using AI to generate entire essays, responses, or projects.
- Employing AI for quizzes, exams, or any other graded assessment unless explicitly authorized.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in academic penalties under the Morningside GSBS Honor Code.
Exploratory Use with Reflection
In this course, AI tools are viewed as emerging technologies integral to the field of [state your discipline]. Students are encouraged to experiment with these tools responsibly. Assignments that integrate AI must include a reflection on its use, limitations, and ethical implications.
AI Tool Use Reflection Guidelines
Students who integrate AI tools into their assignments must include a reflection of up to 300 words. This reflection should address the following components:
- Tool Identification and Usage (50-75 words)
- Specify the AI tool(s) used (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.).
- Describe how the tool was used (e.g., idea generation, grammar refinement, outlining).
- Critical Assessment of Utility (100-150 words)
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the tool(s) for the task.
- Discuss how the tool(s) impacted your writing process (e.g., did it save time, clarify ideas, or present challenges?).
- Ethical Considerations and Learning Impact (100-150 words)
- Reflect on whether the use of AI enhanced or hindered your learning.
- Address any ethical concerns related to its use for academic writing, including originality and intellectual honesty.
Conditional/Limited Use Statement
Limited Use of AI Tools with Instructor Approval
AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) may be used in this course under specific circumstances:
- Pre-Approval: Students must seek written approval from the instructor before using any AI tool for coursework. Examples of approved uses include:
- Generating practice problems for studying.
- Drafting content outlines, with final work completed independently.
- Checking grammar for a final draft of an essay.
- Prohibited Uses:
- Submitting AI-generated work as your own.
- Using AI for exams, quizzes, or graded discussions.
- Documentation: If use is approved, students must include a statement in their submission specifying the tool used, its purpose, and the extent of its contribution.
Misuse of AI tools without approval may result in academic penalties.
Prohibition Statement
Academic Integrity Policy on AI and Similar Tools
The use of artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, DALL-E, etc.) in this course is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the instructor. Students must not:
- Generate Content: Use AI tools to write, draft, or outline any portion of assignments, essays, presentations, or exams.
- Edit or Revise: Employ AI tools to edit or improve language, grammar, structure, or style of submissions.
- Consult for Ideas: Rely on AI to brainstorm, explore answers, or provide explanations for course-related topics.
- Repurpose Generated Material: Submit content created by AI tools, even if modified or reworded, as part of their own work.
Engaging in these activities violates the Morningside GSBS Honor Code, and will be treated as academic dishonesty. Violations may result in a failing grade for the assignment or course and may be reported for further disciplinary action.