Unfortunately, most of the policy is focused on academic misconduct. Our main DOIT and Division of Academic & Student Affairs have put together presentations, webinars, and suggested syllabus language. Our online unit has taken a more "innovative" approach. We've set up meetings and presentations focused on exploring the learning blind spots AI has exacerbated, created sample assignments leveraging AI, and strategically vetted and promoted ed tech that help disincentivize AI misconduct in learning (ie Yellowdig, Perusall, PlayPosit). I've included the statements from both units at our university below:
More forward thinking directives
"As large language models like ChatGPT become accessible to everyone, many academic institutions have been debating the place of ChatGPT in education. These are important conversations to have together and will undoubtedly change the face of higher ed in the future. In this classroom, ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for discussions and assignments. However, it is important to use ChatGPT responsibly and ethically. Here are some Do's and Don'ts for use of ChatGPT in our class:
Do:
1. use ChatGPT to enhance your understanding of a topic or to help generate ideas for research.
2. use ChatGPT to ask thoughtful and relevant questions.
3. keep track of the sources you obtain information from and cite them properly (yes, this means cite ChatGPT!)
Don't:
1. use ChatGPT to plagiarize or cheat in any way.
2. rely solely on ChatGPT for your research or analysis.
3. use ChatGPT to generate responses without critically evaluating them for accuracy and relevance.
Why is it important to critically evaluate ChatGPT? Because ChatGPT is designed to generate conversation, not accurate information. That is why the accuracy and reliability of information generated by ChatGPT may not always be guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to critically evaluate the information and verify it with additional sources whenever you can.
Please be aware that the use of ChatGPT may raise privacy concerns, as the tool operates by processing and storing user data, which could potentially be accessed and used by the developers or third parties who have access to the system's data. It is important to review and understand ChatGPT's privacy policy [https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy], and to exercise caution when sharing personal or sensitive information with the system."
Traditional over-focus on academic misconduct
As stated in FIU’s Code of Academic Integrity, “Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University….All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Conduct and Honor Code.”
Since the goal of this course is to gain experience writing and thinking critically, plagiarizing someone else’s writing, ideas, or work defeats our purpose. Most importantly, you will not improve as a writer if you do not develop and exercise your own writing process. Thus, it is expected that all work submitted in this course be written by you this semester for this class.
What’s the penalty? In extreme cases, plagiarism can lead to failing a course, community service, suspension, or expulsion, and the university has put academic misconduct procedures into place that faculty are required to follow. Learn more about the academic integrity policies and procedures, as well as these student resources that can help you prepare for a successful semester.
But what is plagiarism? Plagiarism is the use and appropriation of another’s work without any indication of the source and the representation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas, expressions or materials taken from another source, including internet sources, is responsible for plagiarism. If, at any point, you look something up or quote someone else’s words, please be sure to credit the source and put quotation marks around anything you took word-for-word.
What if I use my own writing? Recycled papers, including work written by you or someone else outside of this course, will not be accepted.
Is AI (ChatGPT, etc.) allowed? A paper that is written by AI is not considered your own original work. It doesn't matter which AI program/software you use. If your teacher does not give you explicit instructions to use AI software (such as ChatGPT), then you may not use these software programs. The FIU Code of Conduct states that a student who uses “automated tools” or “other study aids,” “unless explicitly authorized by the course instructor” is cheating. The Code of Conduct also says plagiarism includes:
- The submission of any work authored by another person or automated tool without proper acknowledgement of the source, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near-verbatim form.
- Assisting another Student in the submission of any work authored by another person or automated tool without proper acknowledgement of the source,
- If your teacher tells you to use AI for a specific assignment, then you may use it. Otherwise, ask your teacher for permission, or do not use it.