Am I going to get in trouble for using Gen AI?

• Read your course syllabus. 

• General use of generative AI tools might be permitted in some cases. Focus on developing your knowledge and skills, not just using the tools. Check with your instructor for guidance, including how they would like you to disclose your generative AI use.

• You don’t have to be an expert to start using generative AI. But you should build your generative AI literacy and learn about the tools you’re using. 

• Generative AI tools are not fact-finding machines. Make sure to check the accuracy of any information you obtain from them, like with other sources.

• You are responsible for the quality and honesty of your work. Remember to focus on developing your knowledge and skills. Your goal is to enhance your learning, not to bypass it.

• The university's academic integrity rules apply to generative AI-assisted work. Make sure you are honest and transparent about the processes you use to complete your coursework.

• Internet safety rules still apply. Be cautious about putting personal or private information into generative AI tools (for yourself or others). 

Different instructors will have different requirements about whether you can use Gen AI, and how to disclose if you used it. Disclosing Gen AI use could include things like adding in-text citations and references using styles like those of the American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Language Association (MLA). It could also involve completing a disclosure form the instructor designed, or something completely different. Here are some examples.

It is your instructor’s responsibility to make sure their course expectations (including expectations about using Gen AI) are clearly communicated. However, it is your responsibility as a student to understand and adhere to their expectations. Not knowing your actions violated a stated course policy is not an excuse of violating it. Doing this can result in academic sanction.

If you are not sure whether you are allowed to use Gen AI in your coursework (or how to disclose your Gen AI use), the best thing you can do is ask your instructor before you use Gen AI. Here is an email template you can use to ask the question. When you ask, focus on explaining what the tool you want to use is, and what specifically you want to use it for. Your instructor will not always know the specific details of every Gen AI tool available, so this information will help them determine whether you can use that tool and still achieve the course learning outcomes.

Do not assume that permission to use Gen AI for one assignment means that you can use Gen AI for other assignments – or in other courses. Every instructor will have their own policies regarding Gen AI use. Every assignment is also different in terms of what learning outcomes it helps achieve – so, the same instructor could have different expectations for each different assignment. When in doubt, always ask first – and adhere to the specific permissions (as well as the reporting requirements) your instructor gives you.

Remember: You will not get in trouble for asking whether you can use Gen AI in your coursework. But you can get in trouble if you use Gen AI in a way that violates your instructor’s policies, or if you are not honest about using Gen AI.

Misunderstandings happen, and your best next step is to meet with your instructor to discuss their concerns. As a student, you have the right to request a grading reconsideration from your instructor when you believe that the grade you received was incorrect or unreasonable – or when you believe you were penalized unfairly (this process is sometimes called an “informal appeal”). This includes situations involving Gen AI. You may request a grading reconsideration if you believe that you unfairly lost marks (or were sanctioned) for unauthorised Gen AI use in an assignment.

When you meet with your instructor, be transparent and honest about what you did, and tell them why you believe that had adhered to the assignment instructions and course policies. If there was something in their instructions or policies that you weren’t certain about, tell your instructor so they can clarify whether there was any miscommunication regarding their expectations. 

If you did not use Gen AI, but your instructor believes you did, it also helps to explain the process you used to complete your work. You could also ask them why they believe you used Gen AI. According to a September 13th, 2024 UPEI Senate decision, instructors may not use Gen AI “detection tools” (e.g., GPTZero) to test whether a student’s work was AI-generated, as a way to determine whether academic dishonesty occurred.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your meeting with your instructor, you also have the right to make a formal appeal request. Only do this after requesting a grade reconsideration (“informal appeal”) from your instructor – the academic appeals processes for most faculties require you to make an informal appeal to the instructor before launching a formal appeal.

More Information

Undergraduate Academic Regulation 12 - Appeals

Graduate Academic Regulation 9 - Appeals