Developing an AI Syllabus Statement That Works for You
At UNK, we currently do not have a universal policy on the use of artificial intelligence by students. Recognizing that AI usage in the classroom varies widely, we encourage faculty to create syllabus statements that reflect their individual approach. Some instructors may prohibit AI entirely, considering it a violation of academic integrity, while others embrace it as a valuable tool. Whatever your stance, setting clear expectations in your syllabus is essential to guide your students effectively.
Why Create a Syllabus Statement on AI?
Students often have questions about when and how they can use AI tools in their coursework. Without clear guidelines, they may avoid using AI entirely out of fear of repercussions or misuse it without understanding your expectations.
By including a well-defined syllabus statement, you can:
Reduce student anxiety about AI use.
Establish clear boundaries and expectations for your course.
Promote a positive learning environment centered on trust, transparency, and academic integrity.
Rather than focusing solely on preventing misuse, consider incorporating positive academic integrity principles, such as fostering community and mutual respect. This allows you to focus more on teaching and less on monitoring student behavior.
Deciding Where You Stand on AI Usage
Acceptance of AI use falls on a spectrum, and understanding your stance is the first step to creating a clear policy. Think of it as a traffic light:
Red Light
AI is not allowed in your course and is considered a violation of academic integrity.
Yellow Light
AI can be used cautiously in specific contexts or assignments, but with restrictions.
Green Light
AI use is fully embraced, with guidelines for transparency and accountability.
Determining where you fall on this spectrum will help you create a policy that aligns with your teaching philosophy.
Steps to Develop Your AI Policy
Define Your Position Decide whether AI will be prohibited, cautiously allowed, or fully integrated into your course. Each course has unique requirements, and instructors should provide transparent information in their syllabi—and, when appropriate, in assignment instructions—about how generative AI tools align with course goals and values. To guide faculty, the following sample syllabus statements outline three approaches: (1) Generative AI use is generally permitted within guidelines, (2) Generative AI use is permitted under specific circumstances, and (3) No generative AI use is permitted.
Research Examples Review existing AI policies from other instructors and institutions to find one that aligns with your views (see resources below).
Set Clear Expectations Include the following in your syllabus:
Your stance on AI and how it will be used in your course.
Specific guidelines for when and where AI can or cannot be used.
Consequences for misuse or violations of academic integrity.
Expectations for transparency, such as citing AI-generated content.
Examples of AI Policies
Example 1:
“All work submitted in this course must be your own. The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, or others to generate content for assignments is strictly prohibited unless explicitly stated. Submitting AI-generated content without approval violates academic integrity and will result in disciplinary action.”
Example 2:
“AI tools cannot be used for graded assignments in this course. Using AI for writing, research, or problem-solving will be considered a breach of academic integrity. Assignments found to have AI-generated content may receive a grade of zero.”
Example 3:
“In this course, all assignments must be completed by the student. Artificial Intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT and other related tools used for creating text, images, computer code, audio, or other media, are not permitted for use in any work in this class. Use of these generative AI tools will be considered a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy and students may be sanctioned for confirmed, non-allowable use in this course.” Example Curtsy of ASU.
Example 1:
“You may use AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with brainstorming or refining ideas, but all final work must be your own. Any use of AI must be explicitly disclosed in your submission. Misuse or failure to acknowledge AI use will be treated as a violation of academic integrity.”
Example 2:
“AI tools can be used for specific assignments, as outlined in the syllabus. However, their use is restricted to tasks such as grammar checks, idea generation, or topic exploration. You are required to clearly indicate which portions of your work were generated with AI assistance.”
Example 3:
“Some assignments in this course may include or allow use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT or related tools for the creation of text, images, computer code, audio, or other media. The instructor will inform you when, where and how you may use these tools, and citation guidance. Use of generative AI tools in any other context in this course will be considered a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, and students may be sanctioned for confirmed, non-allowable use. If at any point you have questions about what is permitted, contact the instructor to discuss before submitting work.” Example Curtsy of ASU
Example 1:
“AI tools are welcome in this course and may be used for assignments, projects, and other tasks. However, you must acknowledge AI contributions and remain responsible for the quality and accuracy of the submitted work. Misuse of AI tools, such as submitting false or unethical content, will result in penalties.”
Example 2:
“In this class, AI tools like ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot are fully integrated into the learning process. While AI can assist you in creating high-quality work, you must credit its contributions and ensure your final submission reflects your understanding and effort.”
Example 3:
“Artificial Intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT, are being used in workplaces all over the world to save time and improve outcomes by generating text, images, computer code, audio, or other media. Use of AI tools is generally welcome and even encouraged [N.B.: This could say required in some instances] in this class with attribution aligned with disciplinary guidelines. AI tools might be employed to brainstorm, draft, edit, revise, etc. I will provide examples of how to properly cite. Any submitted course assignment not explicitly identified as having used generative AI will be assumed to be your original work. Using AI tools to generate content without proper attribution will be considered a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, and students may be sanctioned for confirmed, non-allowable use. If at any point you have questions about what is permitted, contact the instructor to discuss before submitting work.” Example Curtsy of ASU
Share your AI Statement with Others
Interested in sharing your AI syllabus statement? Contribute your statement and help us share best practices across campus!
Creating a syllabus statement about AI use helps establish trust and clarity in your classroom. Whether you choose to prohibit, cautiously allow, or fully embrace AI, setting clear guidelines ensures that students know what’s expected and how to use these tools responsibly.
For further assistance in crafting your policy, feel free to reach out to the UNK Academic Innovation and Technology Team for support and guidance.
This webpage was developed with inspiration and guidance from materials provided by the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Arizona State University.
