The use of artificial intelligence tools and applications has proliferated at a rapid pace on college campuses. Students and faculty alike are navigating ways to harness the newfound power of AI in an academic setting. As a result, many colleges and universities are grappling with the issue of how AI can be used in the classroom and what guidelines need to be established to retain academic integrity.
Similar to how many organizations have “acceptable use policies” for utilizing college devices and IT infrastructure, it is important to design an AI acceptable use policy that addresses the risks associated with AI use in the college setting.
Why universities need to adopt an AI acceptable use policy
Universities need to have AI acceptable use policies in place for many of the same reasons they maintain and enforce honor codes or plagiarism policies: To set forth what is acceptable and what is not related to the use of another’s work product. An AI acceptable use policy can help accomplish the same goal, which is to provide guidance on how AI tools and applications can be used in an academic setting and what is not allowed.
In several states, public universities are being directed to develop and adopt these policies. For example, in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an Executive Order containing “AI Education Guidelines,” which advised universities to establish an “acceptable use policy inside and outside the classroom.” Other states, including Oregon, Pennsylvania, and California, have provided guidance to educators on how to incorporate the use of AI technology into their courses.
Steps for developing an AI acceptable use policy
Establishing an AI acceptable use policy at many universities is a novel exercise. Here are some recommended steps to get the proverbial ball rolling:
1. Consider establishing an AI policy team. This team should include, if possible, administrators, teachers, students and legal advisors with an understanding of what AI technology can accomplish. Representatives from various constituencies across campus can sure that all voices are heard.
Identify specific, achievable goals. What do you want your AI policy to include? Will it be separate from other policies or will you include it in your existing honor and plagiarism policies? Will it be addressed in tenure guidelines related to how academics generate work product? These questions need to be answered at this stage of the development process.
2 .Review examples of active AI acceptable use policies. Look at AI policies established by other organizations and highlight sections that may warrant inclusion in your university’s policy.
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3. Establish clear parameters for acceptable AI usage. There are many ways to use AI tools and applications that do not violate or impair academic integrity. For example, an acceptable use policy could advise students that using AI programs for clarification, explanations, ideation and topic suggestions is allowed.
4. Reporting and ramifications for non-compliance. In addition to establishing what is an acceptable use, your university’s policy should clearly explain what is unacceptable and the consequences if a student or employee is discovered to be misusing an AI tool or application. Will your university align the punishment parameters with your honor code? Will misuse be considered severe enough to warrant suspension or termination? Each university will need to make this determination.
5. Awareness initiative. Once your university has published its AI acceptable use policy, take proactive steps to educate students and faculty about the new policy. It may be worthwhile to consider requiring students and faculty to participate in an AI-use education course or training seminar at the beginning of each school year.
AI is here, and universities must be proactive in developing clear guidelines and “rules of the road” for its usage by students and faculty.
