Importance of an AI Syllabus Statement

Incorporating an AI Syllabus Statement is essential for setting clear expectations about the use of AI in the classroom. Such statements help students understand how AI tools will be integrated into their coursework, whether for instructional purposes, assessments, or as part of the curriculum. Clearly articulating the role of AI aids students in preparing them to use these technologies effectively and responsibly, while also addressing any potential ethical and privacy concerns associated with their use. It is also a way to ensure that academic integrity policies are not being violated and consequences of using inappropriately are clearly indicated.

Traffic Light System

The Traffic Light System is an effective framework for categorizing AI use in academic settings. This framework can be used as an overall AI Philosophy for a course and/or as a way to indicate on individual assignments if/how AI can be used. The Traffic Light System and similar frameworks use a 3 tiered approach to AI use: No Use, Limited Use, and Free Use. See below for an explanation of the traffic light system and special considerations for Yellow and Green Light Models. Here is a resource where use of the Traffic Light System was evaluated by faculty and students. 

Special Considerations for Yellow and Green Light Models

For courses employing Yellow or Greenlight models, an AI Use Statement should be included on every assignment. This will help to:

• Define Boundaries and Expectations: It clarifies what is allowed and what is not, helping to maintain academic integrity.

• Guide Ethical Use: It educates students on the ethical use of AI, promoting fairness and transparency.

• Facilitate Preparedness: It prepares students to utilize AI tools effectively, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

• Enhance Transparency: It makes the use and purpose of AI in the course transparent, aiding in accountability and trust.

• List AI Apps To Use: It can also be a way to guide students on the AI tools they will be required to use. 

For Examples - See Below

Example Syllabus Statements (Red, Yellow, and Green)

Red Light AI Use Statement

AI Use Policy: No Use

In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including AI-driven content generation and problem-solving tools, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, AI-driven writing aids, problem solvers, and code generators. This policy is in place to ensure that all work submitted is a direct result of individual student effort and to maintain the integrity of the learning objectives we aim to achieve. Violations of this policy will be treated as academic misconduct and handled according to the university's academic integrity guidelines.

Yellow Light AI Use Statement

AI Use Policy: Conditional Use Permitted

In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is permitted conditionally. Students are allowed to use specified AI tools for non-assessment tasks only, such as drafting outlines or conducting initial research. AI tools must not be used for final submissions unless explicitly stated. Students are required to disclose the use of any AI tool in their assignments by annotating which parts were assisted by AI and following the AI Citation Policy listed in the syllabus. This course will provide specific guidelines for each assignment about permissible AI use. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will be subject to academic integrity violation procedures.

Green Light AI Use Statement

AI Use Policy: Open Use Encouraged

In this course, students are encouraged to freely use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools across all aspects of their coursework. AI can be utilized for research, content creation, problem-solving, and other educational activities. Students are encouraged to explore various AI platforms to enhance their learning experience and efficiency. While AI use is supported, students are expected to critically engage with the tool outputs, ensuring that the final work reflects their own analysis and understanding. Students should still adhere to ethical AI use practices and cite any AI tools or data sources used in their work according to the AI Citation Policy listed in the syllabus.

*For more information on AI Citation and AI Citation Policies see this resource page. 

Links to Examples and More Information

Transy Specific Syllabus Statement Examples

• Data Science

• Biology

• Health and Wellness

• Senior Seminar

Centers for Teaching and Learning - Higher Education

• University of Kentucky

• Centre College 

• Georgetown University 

• UCD College of Arts and Humanities 

• Sonoma State University 

• Stanford University 

• University of Texas at Austin

• Tufts University  

Other Ways to Write Syllabus Statements (Not Traffic Light) 

• Menus for AI - University of Sydney 

• Restrictive (Most, Moderate, Least) - NC State University 

• AI Permissive and Mixed Policies - Brandeis University Resources 

Disclaimer: The content within this compendium was co-created using AI programs ChatGTP and Claude Sonnet. For more information on the co-construction of knowledge using AI, please see this resource by Robertson et al. 2024 and the AI uses in Education Page.