Calbright College Academic Integrity and AI Policy

Academic Integrity

At Calbright College, we are committed to fostering a positive and respectful learning environment where all students feel safe and valued. Our policies emphasize the importance of upholding courteous and ethical conduct in all online interactions. Students, visitors, and volunteers are expected to follow Calbright College's policies and procedures, as well as relevant federal, state, and local laws.

Any violation of these standards may result in disciplinary action, including expulsion, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Such violations include, but are not limited to:

• Academic misconduct or dishonesty, such as cheating.

• Plagiarism, which is using intellectual material from another source without proper acknowledgment.

• Disruption of instructional or student activities, whether physical or verbal.

• Intimidation or harassment, in any form, creating a hostile or offensive educational environment.

• Engaging in obscene, libelous, or slanderous expressions.

• Unauthorized use or manipulation of college documents, records, electronic devices, or identification.

• Recording classroom sessions, instructors, or peers without prior instructor approval or DSPS-accredited academic accommodation.

• Theft or vandalism of college property.

• Physical altercations or threats of violence against students or college personnel during college activities, interactions, or events.

• Unlawful sexual conduct, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

• Possession or use of weapons, explosives, or items intended for bodily harm.

• Non-compliance with directives from college staff within their scope of employment.

• Prohibition of alcohol use during college activities, interactions, or events.

• Prohibition of narcotics, hallucinogenic drugs, their possession, distribution, manufacture, or sale during college activities, interactions, or events.

Furthermore, adherence to netiquette practices is mandatory, emphasizing respectful communication among all participants in the online learning environment. This inclusive approach fosters mutual respect and enriches the overall learning experience for every member of the Calbright College community.

AI Use Policy for the IT Support Program 

Purpose 

Calbright College endorses the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the IT Support program, helping students develop real-world, career-relevant skills. This policy outlines how AI tools can be utilized to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity and digital responsibility. 

Guiding Principles 

Support, Not Substitute: 

AI should serve as a resource to facilitate your learning, not as a replacement for your thinking, practice, or effort. 

Ethics First: 

All AI usage must respect privacy, promote fairness, and prevent misuse or the spread of misinformation. 

Transparency: 

If AI tools contribute to your work (e.g., generating ideas, suggesting troubleshooting steps), you must acknowledge and cite them appropriately. 

• Works Cited list example: "Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald" prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat” 

Professional Readiness: Employ AI tools in a way that reflects their use in IT workplaces—responsibly, securely, and thoroughly. 

Permitted Uses of AI 

- Exploring technical concepts or networking terms using tools like Thinkertron. 

- Practicing help desk scripts, troubleshooting scenarios, or system diagnostics in AI-supported simulations. 

- Reviewing or enhancing clarity in written assignments with AI assistance, as long as the work remains your own. 

Prohibited Uses of AI 

- Using AI to generate answers for graded assignments, quizzes, or exams. 

- Submitting AI-generated code, configurations, or ticket responses as your work. 

- Relying on AI to bypass labs, simulations, or hands-on skill-building activities. 

- Misusing AI to impersonate others, access unauthorized systems, or create harmful content. 

Your Responsibilities 

- Use AI tools as a learning aid, not a shortcut. 

- Follow Calbright’s academic integrity policy when using AI. 

- Safeguard your data and avoid entering sensitive information into AI tools. 

- Seek guidance if you're uncertain whether a specific use of AI is appropriate. 

Violations and Consequences 

Unethical or unauthorized use of AI may lead to academic penalties. 

This policy will be reviewed quarterly to reflect the evolving technology and industry standards in IT Support.