We recognize that GenAI is an evolving part of conversations about best practices for writing and learning and that attitudes and approaches to AI vary widely across disciplines. As we engage these conversations, our mission remains the same: to build your writing and critical thinking skills. To support this mission, we approach GenAI in the University Writing Center by focusing on the following guiding principles. 

The UWC is dedicated to supporting you as a whole person. While GenAI might be part of your process or assist with certain projects, we believe it can't replace your unique human insight, deep thinking, and academic growth, nor can it replace genuine conversation with human collaborators. Working with a peer writing consultant can help you build confidence, skills, and independence as a writer. We center your growth as a learner and strive to help you build writing skills to be more confident, self-sufficient, and effective as a communicator with or without GenAI tools. 

We believe that writers benefit from understanding how GenAI tools work, whether or not they choose to use them. Our consultants receive training on GenAI, but the technology is complex and fast evolving. We can share what we know about GenAI and are committed to learning more alongside you. We take a critical AI literacies approach, which may involve understanding how GenAI tools produce outputs, the strengths and limitations of GenAI tools, what effective GenAI prompts might include, and, crucially, how to evaluate the accuracy and relevance of GenAI output.  

Learners use GenAI for many reasons, including curiosity or efficiency. The UWC is a place where you can talk about your writing and learning processes without fear or judgment. We approach each consultation with empathy, trust, and respect. You are welcome to tell your consultant that you have used GenAI and we will not judge you. If something in your writing sounds AI-assisted, your consultant may ask about it—not to accuse you, but to better understand your writing process, style, and how to support your goals.