Sets expectations from day one
Clarifies what you classify as academic misconduct
Helps teach students to use AI ethically and appropriately
Protects you in cases of suspected AI misuse
In your syllabus, be clear with students about if, when, and how they should use AI in your courses.
Announce your policies on AI use both in person and in writing.
Explain your AI policy to your students at the beginning of the semester during class.
Include your AI policy in your syllabus and course site so students can easily find it.
Provide definitions of key terms like plagiarism and cheating in the context of generative AI tools.
Give examples of appropriate vs inappropriate AI use in your class.
For example, you might allow students to use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas or review grammar, but not to generate significant portions of essay content.
No AI Usage
Any use of generative AI tools is strictly prohibited for all assignments, exams, and projects in this course. All work must be completed independently, without AI assistance at any stage, from initial planning to final submission. Suspected use of generative AI will be investigated as a violation of CSN’s Academic Integrity policy under the definition of 'cheating,' specifically ‘receiving aid not permitted by the instructor.’ Potential consequences may include a warning, grade reduction, course failure, or academic probation, depending on the severity of the violation.
Instructor-Directed AI Usage Only
Use of generative AI tools is strictly prohibited for all assignments, exams, and projects in this course unless explicitly permitted by the instructor for specific tasks. All other work must be completed independently, without AI assistance at any stage, from initial planning to final submission. Suspected unauthorized use of generative AI will be investigated as a violation of CSN’s Academic Integrity policy under the definition of 'cheating,' specifically ‘receiving aid not permitted by the instructor.’ Potential consequences may include a warning, grade reduction, course failure, or academic probation, depending on the severity of the violation.
Open AI Usage
Generative AI tools are permitted and encouraged as resources for all assignments, exams, and projects in this course. When using AI, students must clearly disclose its use and be prepared to explain their process and understanding of the work. Responsible use of AI means applying it thoughtfully, ensuring that AI-generated content supports, rather than replaces, personal comprehension of the material. Any suspected misuse of AI, such as misrepresenting understanding or mastery, may be reviewed under CSN’s Academic Integrity policy. Potential consequences may include a warning, grade reduction, course failure, or academic probation, depending on the severity of the violation.
Here are some things to consider if you want to build your own syllabus statement:
Can students use AI at all?
Which tools are permitted or banned?
On which assignments and to what extent is AI use allowed?
Should students disclose or cite AI use?
What are the consequences for violating the policy?
You can also use this guide from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville:
Make sure your AI usage policy isn’t just buried in the syllabus.
Include a reminder of your AI policy with every assignment.
Remind students of your policy in Canvas announcements
Encourage questions and dialogue
Next: Suspected AI Misuse