I have had the same AI policy in my college courses since Fall 2023 and have yet to have any issues with it (knock on wood). One of the more important tenets is that I studiously avoid accusing students of using AI. The language is about AI-flagged work, which indicates a technological process rather than an accusation. My policy has (so far) avoided finger-pointing, emotional issues, and bias by introducing a straightforward AI process and response.
Enhances Academic Integrity: The policy clearly defines plagiarism and the unauthorized use of AI, outlining specific consequences for misuse.
Supports Proper Citation Practices: Encourages correct citation of AI tools and other resources, fostering good research habits. It introduces GCC librarians, engaging an additional layer of educational support.
Facilitates Fair Grading: Bases grades solely on the student’s work, recognizing individual effort. It also provides students with a straightforward mechanism to dispute content flagged by as AI (or by another plagiarism detector).
Promotes Critical Engagement: By requiring students to explain their work in a recorded video conference if suspected of plagiarism, it encourages deeper understanding and engagement with the material. I should note that I inform students, before they begin, that the oral exam grade will replace the AI-flagged grade.
Encourages Resourcefulness: Encourages students to use AI to overcome obstacles in their learning process, promoting problem-solving skills. It also encourages them to challenge their grades if their work is improperly flagged.
Supports AI as a Learning Aid: Allows the use of AI in a structured way that supports learning, such as creating templates or coaching through problems, without replacing student effort.
The policy is posted so as to be shared. Feel free to use any portion of it - and let me know how it worked for you!
Plagiarism, the use of others’ work without citation, will be considered a form of cheating. This includes the use of any AI tools such as ChatGPT without proper citation. If the instructor is concerned about plagiarism in any way, including undisclosed AI, you will be asked to orally break down and fully explain your content in a recorded video conference. Refusal to do so means accepting the grade as measured by the instructor. Any incident will be evaluated by the instructor and may be reported to the Dean of Students. For official definitions of plagiarism and cheating at GCC, refer to the Student Handbook
I do not consider the use of AI tools alone to be academic dishonesty. However, you must cite all interactions with AI tools in your work just as you would cite any other resource. This means including links to any AI conversations and copies of the original AI outputs. GCC librarians can assist with proper citations for AI use. In this course, using AI without citations will be considered academic dishonesty with appropriate consequences. In addition, you must think about your use of AI content. Your earned grade is based solely on your own work – not work done by an AI tool.
Examples of ways in which you can use AI in this course: (1) Ask AI to create a sample or best practice template then the student fills in the missing information independently; (2) Ask AI to work as a coach where the student asks questions and AI answers, but the student creates and modifies all of their own work independently; (3) Create content until “stuck,” ask AI specific questions to get “unstuck.” In all cases, it is critical to evaluate the AI output – AI is frequently wrong, particularly in technical matters.
Action: Use an AI tool to generate your content without citations
Consequence: Zero score; Code of Conduct Violation
Action: Use an AI tool to copy/paste content, with citations and a chat log
Consequence: Zero score; you didn’t do the work
Action: Use an AI tool to coach you through an issue or pass a rough spot, with citations and a chat log
Consequence: You will be graded on your efforts; explain them in the citation