All faculty in the College of Arts and Letters should include an AI Policy in their syllabus. Each instructor can determine their policy but at a minimum, your policy statement should include several elements.
Important elements of a class AI policy
- A definition of what is considered AI in your discipline/course
- You can name specific tools and/or the application or utilization of AI technologies
- Appropriate use statement. Outline your course policy on use of AI and penalties. There are a variety of possible usage cases, most commonly they fall into one of these 3 categories:
- Free or Unrestricted Use (With citation)
- Restricted or Conditional Use (Be specific about when)
- No Use (Make sure you tell students what types of research and support tools they can use)
- A rationale for the policy that could include:
- Why your discipline approaches AI in this way
- How this policy supports the learning outcomes of the course
How to determine your policy
- Explore how other scholars in your discipline are handling AI in their courses
- Look to disciplinary association or professional organization recommendations
- Consider your learning outcomes
- Reflect on whether and how students in this field will use AI in their careers and how your course can help prepare them
Talking about AI with students
We also suggest that you discuss AI with your students the first week of class and review your policy. Topics to discuss might include:
- Impacts on the environment and the economy
- Effects on cognitive ability and critical thinking
- Ethical considerations related to AI use in particular circumstances
- Effects on the value of your degree and ability to achieve learning outcomes
- Policy differences exist from class to class and it is the student’s responsibility to know the policy for each course
College of Arts and Letters
