CTL Guidance for Syllabus Statements about AI Use

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) supports an ethic of transparency around the use of generative AI in teaching and learning, and encourages you to develop and share a course-level AI policy statement in your syllabus. 

Consider that AI is ubiquitous and embedded in many writing tools (e.g., Grammarly, online translators, Googe Docs autocomplete). AI tools are also widely used to generate visual and audio content. Completely prohibiting the use of AI is increasingly impractical, and AI use is not accurately detectable. Given the biases and inaccuracy of AI detectors, we do not recommend mentioning them in syllabus statements or using them as a basis for student conduct cases.

All OSU course syllabi are required to include the Student Conduct Expectations link (https://beaves.es/codeofconduct) regardless of the particular course AI policy. CTL encourages you to communicate with your students at the start of the term to make clear the relationship between the course AI policy and the Code of Student Conduct.

1. Try out ChatGPT Links to an external site. and other free AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Links to an external site.. Learn more about Microsoft Copilot for the Web - OSU Data Protected Tool. Your experience with popular generative AI tools that students may use will help inform your course policy. 
2. Learn about the implications of AI tools for teaching and learning.
3. Discuss AI teaching approaches and unit-wide AI policies with your colleagues and unit leaders.

Sample language is provided for three basic types of course AI policies. You are encouraged to modify this language to fit your approach and to describe your reasons for the policy you adopt.

• Use of Generative AI Is Acceptable in Specific Situations in This Course

Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT is permitted in this course for [list permissible uses, for example, drafting an outline]. Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT is prohibited in this course for all other uses. Please ask your [instructor/TA] if you have any questions about this policy.

Individual assignments and assessments will provide specific guidance about AI use. If you have questions about AI use on a particular assignment or assessment, communicate these concerns to your [instructor/TA] prior to beginning the task.

Be transparent about your uses of AI. When you use AI tools in this course, always cite the source. See How to Cite ChatGPT  Links to an external site.(APA style) and How Do I Cite Generative AI in MLA Style? Links to an external site. for methods of citing AI contributions. Individual assignments will provide additional specifics about how to report the ways in which you used AI (for example, to generate ideas or to create an outline) and the ways that AI contributed to your learning.

• Use of Generative AI Is Permitted in This Course

Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT is [allowed/encouraged/required] in this course. Individual assignments and assessments will provide specific guidance about AI use. Please ask your [instructor/TA] if you have any questions about this policy.

Be transparent about your uses of AI. When you use AI tools in this course, always cite the source. See How to Cite ChatGPT Links to an external site. (APA style) and How Do I Cite Generative AI in MLA Style? Links to an external site. for methods of citing AI contributions. Individual assignments will provide additional specifics about how to report the ways in which you used AI (for example, to generate ideas or to create an outline) and the ways that AI contributed to your learning.

• Use of Generative AI Is Prohibited in This Course

Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT is prohibited on all assignments and assessments in this course. Ask your [instructor/TA] if you have any questions about this policy.

1. Once your course policy is articulated, be sure assignment and assessment directions are in alignment with your course policy. Be clear and specific in your expectations.
2. Communicate with your students. Generative AI is new territory in education. Conversations with your students at the beginning of the term about your AI policy and the reasoning behind it may provide an opportunity to discuss the nature of learning in your course, the development of critical thinking skills, and how and when AI use may enhance or limit learning. Betsey Miller in the College of Agricultural Sciences has developed a brief (10-min.) PowerPoint, Let's Talk about AI Links to an external site., to introduce her students at the start of the term to generative AI, AI literacy, and her course policy on AI use. Betsey has generously given blanket permission to OSU faculty who would like to adapt it for their use. As the term progresses, check on your students concerning your AI policy and their use of AI in the course.

AI Sample Syllabus Statements and Assignment Language

Syllabi and Assignment AI Icons Links to an external site.

College of Business Syllabus Template with Suggested AI Policy Language and AI Icon Use Links to an external site.

Note: OSU teaching faculty are invited to share your AI-related syllabus statements (e.g., your course policies regarding AI use) and assignment language with CTL. If you'd like to contribute such materials, please contact CTL@oregonstate.edu.

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