The AI Working Group at Michigan Technological University has developed the following syllabus templates to guide instructors in establishing generative artificial intelligence (GAI) use policies within their courses. These templates, categorized into three tiers—General Permission, Conditional Permission, and Prohibition—are adaptable based on individual course requirements. The following syllabus templates draw upon the best practices from peer institutions[1] and other institutions[2] in conjunction with the expressed needs of faculty, staff, and students at Michigan Tech.
Instructors are advised to regularly consult the MTU Academic Integrity Policy, Research Integrity Policies, and the Provost's AI Resources for Faculty and Staff page to stay informed about the latest AI tools and policy updates.
The work group encourages the use of these templates to be paired with class discussions or lessons on AI literacy, and resources to guide instructors in facilitating those conversations can be found here.
General Permission Template
In recognition of the increasing integration of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools like ChatGPT in various professions, the instructor expects that students will incorporate these technologies into their classwork as appropriate, and the instructor will treat the work students produce as a demonstration of their abilities to engage with these new tools. The use of GAI tools is permitted with the understanding that their use should be accompanied by critical thinking and reflection. Responsibility for the work's integrity remains with the student, including any inaccuracies stemming from AI use.
Transparency in AI tool usage is mandatory, and instructors reserve the right to ask students to explain their process for creating work at any time. This includes but is not limited to including prompt appendices, AI-generated outputs, and reflective analyses.
Students in this course are expected to use [citation style], and additional resources for citing AI within this style can be found at [style guide][3]. AND/OR Students in this course typically submit [manuscripts/proposals] to [journals/funding agencies] and being aware of their policies is important before beginning work. Their policies on the use of GAI can be found [here][4].
GAI is changing rapidly, and new tools will become available. Course policies therefore are provisional and subject to change. Students should consult the instructor if they have any questions about the permissible use of technology in this class.
Conditional Permission Template
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools may be permitted or recommended for specific assignments in this course. Those assignments that allow or call for GAI use will be expressly listed as such and require proper citation and documentation according to [citation style] [3] AND/OR [journal or funding agency guide][4]. When the instructor grants express permission for GAI tool use, it is with the understanding that its use should be accompanied by critical thinking and reflection. Responsibility for the work's integrity remains with the student, including any inaccuracies stemming from GAI use. The use of AI for assistance in completing other coursework is prohibited and constitutes cheating.
Transparency in AI tool usage is mandatory, and instructors reserve the right to ask students to explain their process for creating work at any time. This includes but is not limited to including prompt appendices, AI-generated outputs, and reflective analyses.
GAI is changing rapidly, and new tools will become available. Course policies therefore are provisional and subject to change. Students should consult the instructor if they have any questions about the permissible use of technology in this class.
Prohibition Template
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools and apps (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Dall-e, etc.) is strictly prohibited in all coursework. The use of GAI in this course will be considered the use of an unauthorized aide, which is a form of cheating. Course instructors reserve the right to ask students to explain their process for creating their work at any time.
GAI is changing rapidly, and new tools will become available. Course policies therefore are provisional and subject to change. Students should consult the instructor if they have any questions about the permissible use of technology in this class.
HU 3015 AI and Writing Policy
Students are permitted to use AI tools such as ChatGPT for assistance with homework, labs, reports, and study materials. However, it is required that any significant assistance received from such tools be properly attributed in the submitted work. This is to maintain academic integrity and transparency in the learning process. For Example:
"In completing this assignment, I utilized [AI Tool Name] to assist with [specific aspect, e.g., generating ideas, understanding concepts, outlining the report]."
Please make sure to appropriately cite any authorized resources used on assignments.
You should refrain from using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate text or responses
to graded assignments unless permitted in the assignment instructions.
The full HU3015 AI and Writing Policy can be found here.
Open AI's Chat GPT 4 was utilized to assist in revising this document.
References:
Peer Institutions referenced
University of Alabama Huntsville