Academic integrity is the foundation of a trustworthy and fair educational environment. It ensures that the work you submit is genuinely your own and reflects your understanding and effort. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it is increasingly important to understand the relationship between AI and academic honesty.

Most course syllabi include an academic honesty policy and the consequences for violating this policy. Familiarize yourself with course policy regarding authorized or unauthorized use of AI to avoid the pitfalls of academic dishonesty.

Ethical AI Use in Academic Writing

Here are some tips to help you stay on the right path:

  1. Original Work: Always ensure that the work you submit is your own. Using AI to generate essays, solve problems, code, or complete assignments that you present as your own is a form of academic dishonesty. Part of the college experience is building critical thinking skills that help you navigate the real world. Relying on AI to produce your work does not benefit you personally, academically, or professionally. Your unique perspective and effort are what truly matter.
  2. Proper Attribution: If your professor permits the use of AI tools to assist with your work, such as generating ideas or organizing information, make sure to properly attribute any content or ideas that are not your own. This includes citing sources and acknowledging the use of AI tools.
  3. Avoid Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work or ideas without proper attribution. Using AI to copy or paraphrase content without giving credit is still plagiarism. Always give credit where it’s due, whether it’s to a human author or an AI tool.
  4. Seek Guidance: If you’re unsure about your professor’s policy around AI, ask them for guidance. They can provide clarity on what is acceptable and help you navigate any gray areas.
  5. Understand the Tool: Before using any AI tool, take the time to understand its purpose and functionality. This will help you use it more effectively and ensure that you’re not inadvertently violating academic integrity.

Students who violate the academic honesty policy may be subject to disciplinary action per the Student Code of Conduct Policy 6Hx2-5.02 and Procedure A6Hx2-5.02.