Generative AI and Academic Integrity in student work – Clear and Transparent Expectations
Given that Generative AI use in student work is decided at the instructor/course or program level, there will be different expectations around AI use between courses. Students may find this confusing. We ask that instructors be clear and transparent in communications to students as to the circumstances under which AI generated content is acceptable in assignments/ assessments and what use might be considered either a failure to meet assessment requirements or an Academic Integrity breach.
Where possible, outline your expectations in your course syllabus or by separate instructions/ handout. Be as clear as possible what is or is not allowed (translating tool, grammar corrector, editors, citation requirements) and the consequences for misuse. It may be helpful to explain why these expectations have been adopted and how they meet the learning objectives for the course.
Sample syllabus statements are at: Generative Artificial Intelligence Syllabus Language. and The Best AI Syllabus Policies I’ve Seen So Far.
Using Turnitin Generative AI identification tool for student writing
The Academic Integrity Advisory Committee and the Office of Student Conduct, Accountability and Support would like to remind all faculty that this tool (or other online versions) should not be used as the only evidence that a student has engaged in an academic integrity breach.
These tools are not intended to be used as proof of an infraction. They simply indicate an outcome based on an algorithmic analysis of the likelihood the work may be AI generated. A number of factors can influence the accuracy of a score.
Turnitin offers guidance on Interpreting Turnitin’s AI writing score:
We at Turnitin encourage educators to take a similar approach to the AI writing score as we recommend for interpreting the Similarity Score. Ideally, this is step one of a conversation that takes place in the formative space, rather than being used as a summative or punitive measure. When the “score” –Similarity or AI writing–is looked upon as the starting point for a dialogue rather than a definitive statement about a student’s work, then these conversations take on vigorous purpose as an opportunity for learning.
Generative AI identification tools may be used as a starting point for further inquiry as to the authorship and development process of a student’s work.
If a Turnitin AI detection report suggest a Generative AI tool was used in the crafting of a student document, we recommend that you inquire further with the student. This may include asking about the student’s approach to writing; what tools were used and how they were used, and questions to determine the student’s knowledge of their own writing and the assignment topic. Examples of questions you can ask a student are HERE.
The Academic Integrity Advisory Committee has resources to assist you investigate AI usage and provides tips on having exploratory conversations with students.