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Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

How ought we to live with AI? This guide does not endorse or condone any particular artificial intelligence (AI) or use of AI, but instead provides considerations around its use to help build a more just and humane world.

Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Overview

This page explores the intersection of academic integrity and artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education: 

  • Review the academic integrity policy. 
  • Identify various types of academic dishonesty. 
  • Discuss potential “gray areas.” 
  • Analyze the impact of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. 
  • Review Regis University’s AI policy. 
  • Offer strategies for responsible use of AI and related tools. 

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is a cornerstone of a fair and honest academic environment. Regis University’s policy covers: 

“The Academic Integrity Policy prohibits cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.”

Students are expected to uphold high standards and avoid all forms of dishonesty in their academic work. 

When it comes to AI, Regis provides each instructor latitude to create their own policies for each course. The AI policy will be included in your syllabus. Don’t assume you know the AI policy—ALWAYS CHECK! 

Understanding Academic Violations 

Cheating 

Cheating involves misrepresenting your mastery of course material or experience. Common examples include: 

  • Using unauthorized materials or devices during assessments. 
  • Accessing or using someone else’s computer files or accounts. 
  • Possessing exams without instructor permission. 
  • Submitting essays or assignments purchased from third parties. 
Fabrication 

Fabrication is deliberately inventing or falsifying information with intent to deceive. Examples: 

  • Citing a nonexistent source. 
  • Listing unused references in a bibliography. 
  • Distorting data or inventing research findings. 
Plagiarism 
  • Plagiarism is using another’s words, ideas, or media without proper acknowledgment. This includes: 
  • Using direct quotes without quotation marks and citations. 
  • Paraphrasing ideas without citing the source. 
  • Failing to cite facts or code from sources, including AI-generated content, if not authorized. 
  • Using AI software without explicit permission. 
Self-Plagiarism 

Self-plagiarism occurs when you submit your previous work to fulfill current assignments without prior approval from your instructor. 

Plagiarism Checkers 

Popular tools used to detect plagiarism and AI-generated content include Turnitin, GPTzero, and Quillbot. 

What is Artificial Intelligence? 

AI refers to computer systems that perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as: 

  • Generating text using specific prompts (ChatGPT, Claud) 
  • Translating languages automatically. 
  • Conducting web searches. 
  • Checking spelling and grammar. 
  • Designing slides and suggesting layouts. 
  • Providing real-time audio translations. 
  • Conversational agents (ChatGPT, Bing, Perplexity). 
  • Writing or editing assistance (Grammarly, MS Editor). 
  • Voice assistants (Gemini, Copilot). 

AI is increasingly integrated into educational tools and platforms, changing how we access and process information. 

AI Policies and Responsible Use 

Regis University’s Approach 

Regis provides each instructor latitude to create their own policies for each course. The AI policy will be included in your syllabus. Don’t assume you know the AI policy! Different professors in the same department might have very different policies. The same professor might have different policies in different courses, depending on the topic and how AI can be used effectively in that subfield. ALWAYS CHECK! 

AI policies fall under three main umbrellas: 

  • Allowed: Generative AI can be used broadly if you explain and cite its use.
  • Mixed: AI may be allowed, encouraged, or prohibited, depending on the assignment. Always check instructions. 
  • Restricted: AI is only permitted for specific, stated assignments.

Always clarify and honestly disclose how you used AI on any assignment. 

Why Responsible AI Use Matters 

Copying text directly from AI into your assignments is not just plagiarism—it hinders learning. Key concerns include: 

  • AI-sourced content is often inaccurate and must be verified against reliable sources. 
  • AI can reproduce biases present in its training data; critical evaluation is required. 
  • Over-reliance on AI reduces opportunities for you to develop independent thinking and writing skills. 

Writing and research are essential for building your own critical capabilities, not just generating text artifacts. 

Example AI Use Statement 

When submitting assignments, clarify if—and how—you used AI. For example: 

“I used AI for brainstorming, outlining, and background information, but did not copy text directly into my submission.” 

Or: 

“I did not use AI in completing this paper.” 

Being transparent protects your academic integrity and helps instructors understand how technology supports your learning. 

Conclusion 

AI and related digital tools are transforming education. Embrace their benefits, but use them ethically—enhancing your learning without compromising honesty or the development of your own skills. Upholding academic integrity ensures your achievements truly reflect your abilities and knowledge.