AI Use

The Department of Geography recognises that the use of Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become pervasive. Given that Rhodes University is an institution where formal assessment is used to measure and recognise a qualification, it has become necessary to define acceptable and unacceptable uses of Generative AI.

AI tools, e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grammarly, Google AI Mode (in Google Chrome), Microsoft CoPilot, SciSpace, etc., and numerous others, are not a replacement for a student’s own critical thinking and original ideas. The goal of all the courses in our Department, and of any tool used to submit work, is to enhance your own learning and understanding, not to undermine it. If you have questions about what is permitted, reach out to your lecturer. 

The following are the guidelines that relate to students in the Department of Geography:

• Each course will explicitly include a statement on the AI use policy for that particular course, or even for a specific assignment, in RUconnected. It will clearly state when it is allowed and when it is not.

• In cases where AI use is permitted, it must be correctly and fully acknowledged on the "Assignment Cover Page", which contains a "Plagiarism and Generative AI Use Declaration".

• Any Generative AI use must be acknowledged both "in-text" and in the Reference List for AI-generated content, including, but not limited to, text, images, videos, audio, code, etc., using APA formats that are outlined in the "Referencing" section of this guide.

• The Department reserves the right to use "AI checkers" to confirm its unauthorised use in any assessments.

• If unauthorised AI use is confirmed, it may result in a grade of 0% or even the withdrawal of a student's DP (Duly Performed) Certificate.

The Department acknowledges that not all AI use is 'bad'. It is beneficial for:

• Preparing notes and summaries for own use.

• Generating reference lists in a standardised and correct format.

• Translation of own notes and summaries.

• Correcting Python and R scripts in specifically defined cases.

• Generating Python and R scripts in specifically defined instances.

Despite its advantages, Generative AI sometimes:

• Produces generalised information that often lacks the required specific context.

• 'Halucinates' and produces 'fake' information.

• Makes up references that look fine, but that don't exist.