AI Use

The Department of Geography recognises that the use of Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become pervasive. Generative AI is the use of software and internet processing to extract information from large datasets to create new content, such as text, images, code, or audio. The generated product resembles human‑produced work, enabling adaptive digital creativity in academic contexts, and includes paraphrasing material.

Given that Rhodes University is an institution that uses formal assessment to measure and recognise qualifications, it is necessary to define acceptable and unacceptable uses of Generative AI.  Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and the Department will continue to monitor developments and incorporate feedback from Rhodes University and the broader academic community to update guidelines accordingly.

Generative AI tools, e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grammarly, Google AI Mode (in Google Chrome), Microsoft CoPilot, Quillbot, 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 the Department, and of any tool used to submit work, is to enhance a student's own learning and understanding, not to undermine it. If you have questions about what is permitted, reach out to your lecturer. 

The Department supports responsible experimentation with generative AI tools, but there are important considerations when using them, including information security and data privacy, compliance, copyright, and academic integrity. All AI use must comply with the Rhodes University Information & Technology Acceptable Use Policy

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".

• Individuals are responsible for any content that they produce or publish that includes AI-generated material.

• Review your AI-generated content before submission.

• Individuals are encouraged to ask their lecturers for clarification about these guidelines as needed.

• 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.

• Protect confidential data: You should not enter confidential data, including non-public research data, into publicly available generative AI tools, in accordance with the University’s Information & Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Note that information shared with generative AI tools using default settings is not private and could expose proprietary or sensitive information to unauthorised parties.

• The Department reserves the right to use "AI checkers" to indicate unauthorised use in 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' and may be specifically allowed in SOME assessments. For example, it MAY be 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 (if permitted for the specific assignment).

• Generating Python and R scripts in specifically defined instances (if permitted for the specific assignment).

Despite its advantages, Generative AI may:

• Produce generalised information that often lacks the required specific context;

• Produce content that is inaccurate, misleading, or entirely fabricated (sometimes called “hallucinations”), or may contain copyrighted material; and

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

Be alert for AI-enabled phishing. Generative AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create sophisticated scams at a far greater scale. Continue to follow security best practices and report suspicious messages to Rhodes University IT Division (support@ru.ac.za).