Academic Integrity in the Era of Generative AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in academic settings. As a result, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and challenges associated with AI usage in relation to academic integrity and academic misconduct in WSE courses. This section provides guidance that will help identify challenges and provide proactive strategies that instructors can integrate into their courses to address these potential risks and challenges of AI usage in coursework.

  1. Learn about AI: To effectively address AI and academic integrity, it is essential for instructors to develop a basic understanding of AI concepts, tools, and applications relevant to their respective disciplines. Instructors are encouraged to stay informed about emerging AI technologies, their capabilities, and potential implications for academic work in their courses. This knowledge will enable instructors to make informed decisions and provide guidance to students regarding the responsible and ethical use of AI.
  2. Establish Clear Guidelines: Instructors should clearly communicate their expectations regarding AI usage in their courses to students. This should include specific guidelines in the course syllabi or in Canvas that outline acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI tools. It is also expected that instructors specify the limitations and boundaries within which students can leverage AI technologies. Additionally, instructors should emphasize the importance of maintaining academic integrity when using AI and highlight the consequences of academic misconduct through unauthorized use of AI tools as outlined in the Graduate Academic Misconduct Policy.
  3. Educate Students: It is important to promote awareness among students about AI and its ethical implications. For example, instructors can incorporate discussions and assignments in their courses that encourage students to critically examine the responsible use of AI. Instructors can also engage students in conversations about the potential risks of AI-generated plagiarism and the importance of developing their own analytical and critical thinking skills. Encouraging students to discuss any concerns or uncertainties they have about AI usage in their coursework can also help instructors to maintain academic integrity in their courses.
  4. Assess Originality: When evaluating student work, instructors should pay careful attention to the originality of ideas and content. It is also helpful to develop methods for assessing whether AI tools have been appropriately utilized or if there is evidence of academic misconduct. For example, instructors should look for indications of critical thinking, original thought, and individual student contributions. Additionally, instructors should consider using a variety of assessment techniques, including in-person discussions, presentations, or individualized assignments that require personal reflection on their assignments.
  5. Collaborate with EP’s Academic Integrity Officer (AIO) Instructors who suspect unauthorized usage of AI tools in their courses, either by their own review or through the Turnitin AI detection tool report, should follow the academic misconduct procedure outlined in the Graduate Academic Misconduct Policy. It is also important for instructors to share their insights, experiences, and concerns to help contribute to the development of new guidelines that address AI-specific challenges.  

By establishing clear guidelines, promoting awareness, and fostering a culture of academic integrity, instructors can navigate the challenges posed by AI and ensure that our academic community upholds the highest standards of ethics and learning.