Trinity Washington University
Policy Statement on the Appropriate Use of AI in Coursework
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to machine or software systems that process information and create outputs that can mimic some aspects of human thinking. AI tools include chatbots, search engines, predictive text, grammar checkers, or citation generators. They can support academic work but not replace the creativity and critical thinking required to earn a college degree. Review the following guidelines for the appropriate use of AI tools while maintaining academic integrity:
- General use of AI tools
Students are responsible for using AI tools properly while adhering to course-specific requirements and guidelines, including style, formatting, and referencing. AI tools can be used when studying, prewriting, source gathering, and in other preparatory tasks related to coursework. AI tools should only be used to support student learning, not replace it.
- AI & Testing
Generative AI and related tools should not be used to compose responses to test or assessment questions. Testing assesses a student’s understanding of specific information and knowledge. It is the student’s responsibility to generate and recall this knowledge. AI generators may not always provide correct answers.
- AI & Written Assignments
If use of AI-generated material is permitted by the instructor in a course or for a specific assignment, any AI-generated text should be used sparingly, appropriately, and in service of supporting one’s own ideas as with other integrated materials, at your instructor’s discretion. Using AI to generate an entire paper or assignment that is meant to be your own work is not a proper use of this technology.
- AI & Sources/Citations
When using AI-generated material in an assignment (if permitted), it must be cited appropriately and with the required citation style for that course (APA, MLA, etc.). If using AI tools to generate citations, students should always cross-check them with required formatting standards for accuracy. While use of AI-generated material may be permitted on certain assignments, remember that AI-generated material is not considered scholarly.
Inappropriate use of AI-generated material is a form of cheating. Processes and penalties for cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are covered in Trinity’s honor policy, found here: https://discover.trinitydc.edu/policies/academic-honesty/
Note: Due to the changing nature of Artificial Intelligence, this policy will undergo regular review by the University Committee on Academic Policy (UCAP).
Issued by UCAP on 10.18.2023