The following statements present two approaches for addressing artificial Intelligence in courses; both approaches have merit however, neither are required in the syllabus at this time. The included talking points are to assist the faculty member with rationale for support of their choice and are not intended for inclusion in the syllabus statements. The syllabus statement can be copied verbatim or modified to suit course requirements. The Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) continues to monitor developments in AI and technology and their academic implications. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to the CETL for more specific guidance beyond what is provided below.

Statement Prohibiting/Limiting the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Course

In this course, the use of assistive technologies such as artificial intelligence-based tools is strictly prohibited [or allowed only as specified] for the completion of assignments, projects, assessments, or any other course-related activities unless explicitly stated otherwise by the instructor. This policy is in place to ensure fair and equitable evaluation of students’ individual skills, critical thinking abilities, and subject matter comprehension.

Talking Points: Independent Work Rationale

1. Promoting Intellectual Growth: The primary objective of this course and in higher education is to foster students’ intellectual growth by encouraging active learning, problem-solving, and independent thinking. Restricting/limiting the use of AI promotes the development of essential cognitive skills, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, while avoiding over-reliance on automated tools.
2. Authentic Assessment: By forbidding the use of AI, assignments, exams, and projects can accurately measure students’ individual progress and understanding. Assessments will focus on the depth of knowledge, creativity, and originality of each student’s work, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of their skills and providing valuable feedback for improvement.
3. Ethical Considerations: The use of AI raises ethical concerns, particularly in relation to academic integrity. By prohibiting AI usage, this course (and higher education in general) aims to maintain a fair and level playing field for all students and to recognize student learning, avoiding potential disparities that may arise from variations in AI capabilities, access, or utilization.
4. Skill Development: This course/higher education emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. Prohibiting the use of AI encourages students to refine these skills through direct engagement with course materials, peers, and instructors, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
5. Real-World Preparedness: By relying on individual effort and cognitive abilities rather than AI tools, this course (and higher education) prepares students for future professional endeavors, where creative thinking, adaptability, and human intellect play pivotal roles. This approach cultivates resilience, resourcefulness, and a stronger aptitude for addressing complex challenges before relying on AI tools. These skills and experiences also enable students to be able to critically analyze AI tools. 

Statement Encouraging the Use and Inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in the Course

This statement aims to provide clarity on how AI can be incorporated into assignments, emphasizing its benefits, responsible use, and the support available throughout the process.

In this course, we will explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. To foster innovation and expand horizons, this course will leverage the use of AI tools and techniques for select assignments. By embracing AI in select assignments, we aim to cultivate a future-ready mindset and equip you with valuable skills that will be increasingly relevant in various professional fields. Remember, the primary goal is to foster a deep understanding of AI and the responsible application of this technology while promoting academic growth and creativity.

Support and Resources (Include Relevant Details Listed Below as Needed) 

a. The course will provide guidance and resources to assist you in incorporating AI into assignments effectively. 

b. You will have access to tutorials, workshops, and online materials that cover AI concepts, tools, and techniques. 

c. Your instructor will be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and help address any challenges you may encounter.

d. You will provide a declaration citing the scope and extent of how AI was used to complete the assignment.