Developing a Generative AI Policy for Your Course
TC encourages instructors to consider how generative AI can be integrated into courses and to be explicit and transparent in communicating this policy to students (in your syllabus, in class, and whenever relevant to assignments). In devising your policy regarding generative AI, you should take into account factors like:
- Alignment with learning goals
- Equity and access for all students
- Information security and data privacy
- Copyright and academic integrity
Below, we provide five examples of syllabi statements reflecting varied stances on using AI in courses. Please use and adapt as you see fit.
Example 1
No Generative AI Use Permitted
Students are prohibited from using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to complete coursework or assignments for this class. Violation of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty and handled according to the policy outlined in this syllabus and the College’s academic integrity procedures. Students with disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations to permit them equal access to Teachers College programs and services (which include classes and coursework). If you are a student registered with OASID with a generative AI accommodation, please speak with me directly about your needs.
Example 2
Generative AI Use Permitted in Some Cases: Refer to Individual Assignments
Students may use generative AI tools for certain assignments where indicated. Each assignment will specify whether AI can be used and, if so, how it should be employed. It is the student's responsibility to carefully read and follow these guidelines. Students must include citations or disclosure detailing the specific AI tools and models used. Unauthorized use will be considered academic dishonesty and handled according to the policy outlined in this syllabus and the College’s academic integrity procedures. Students with disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations to permit them equal access to Teachers College programs and services (which include classes and coursework). If you are a student registered with OASID with a generative AI accommodation, please speak with me directly about your needs.
Example 3
Generative AI Use Permitted in Some Cases: For Specific Purposes
The use of generative AI tools may be used for the following tasks and purposes: [specific permitted uses relevant to the course, e.g. helping you find background information about a topic; generating summaries or explanations of challenging material for your own reflection; drafting outlines to help you organize your thoughts; helping to improve grammar and style]. Generative AI tools may NOT be used for any other purposes, and you may not use AI to [specific prohibited uses, e.g. draft writing assignments, analyze data, etc]. AI tools in this course are permitted only for specific tasks specified above and include citations or disclosure detailing the specific AI tools and models used and how they were used.
Example 4
Generative AI Use Permitted in Some Cases: Confer with Instructor Prior to Use
Students are allowed to use generative AI tools in their coursework only after obtaining explicit approval from the instructor. Prior to using any generative AI technology, students must submit, in writing, a brief proposal outlining how the generative AI tool will be used and its purpose in the context of the assignment. Approval will be granted based on the appropriateness and educational value of the proposed use. Students must include citations or disclosure detailing the specific AI tools and models used. Unauthorized use will be considered academic dishonesty and handled according to the policy outlined in this syllabus and the College’s academic integrity procedures. Students with disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations to permit them equal access to Teachers College programs and services (which include classes and coursework). If you are a student registered with OASID with a generative AI accommodation, please speak with me directly about your needs.
Example 5
Generative AI Use Generally Permitted with Attribution or Disclosure
Generative AI tools are generally permitted in this course for research and completion of assignments, provided that all AI-generated content is clearly attributed as such in the student’s work. Students must include citations or disclosure detailing the specific AI tools and models used. Failure to properly attribute AI-assisted work will be considered academic dishonesty and handled according to the policy outlined in this syllabus and the College’s academic integrity procedures. Students with disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations to permit them equal access to Teachers College programs and services (which include classes and coursework). If you are a student registered with OASID with a generative AI accommodation, please speak with me directly about your needs.