Acceptable uses of AI

Exploring ideas to develop and refine an area of inquiry

Acceptable: Using generative AI tools to get a sense of existing debates on an issue, potential sub-topics, or what is generally already widely known about a topic.

Not Acceptable: Taking the output of generative AI tools uncritically, such as using AI to generate a research question or thesis, without engaging with the actual research or relying solely on generative AI as a source of information about a topic

Finding sources

Acceptable:Using generative AI to find authors, organizations, publications, or sources that may be pertinent to the area of inquiry, so that the student can then locate and read those perspectives directly. Asking for recommendations on related sources to further explore the topic or address gaps in research.

Not acceptable: Using a list of sources generated by AI without going to the original sources and reviewing the content.

Summarizing and/or interpreting sources

Acceptable: Using generative AI to help develop understanding of complex texts by: Requesting help with understanding complex vocabulary or sentence structures in a source.  Asking for clarification on a confusing concept or passage in a source. Not acceptable: Generating a summary or paraphrasing of the source instead of reading it. Requesting direct quotes or citations from a source to use as evidence without independently identifying them. Copying and pasting AI generated source summaries into the final draft.

Synthesizing ideas and information from sources into a literature review, report, or argument

Acceptable:No acceptable use

Not acceptable: Asking generative AI to: Compare or contrast sources and/or generate a review of literature. Synthesize common or contrasting elements from within a source or across multiple sources. Develop statements or paragraphs that put sources in conversation.

Drafting or outlining a paper

Acceptable: Seeking guidance on general best practices in how to structure a research paper, essay, or report. 

Not acceptable: Asking generative AI to produce an outline or draft of a specific paper. Requesting generative AI to write all or part of the paper. Using writing generated by AI in the final draft.

Revising a paper

Acceptable:Using spell or grammar checkers. Asking for feedback on style and tone (students must make deliberate choices on what feedback to incorporate).

Not acceptable:Accepting AI-generated suggestions for revisions of written work without critically evaluating such contributions. Incorporating into student submissions new sections of text suggested by generative AI.

Creating Citations/Bibliography

Acceptable:› Seeking guidance on how to cite or check citations. Generating a draft of the bibliographic listing of citations or checking the format of a student-generated draft of the bibliographic listing of citations.

Not acceptable:› Using AI to generate citations without having directly studied the original sources. Relying on generative AI to create the bibliographic listing of citations without then checking the accuracy of the format.

Developing Presentations

Acceptable: › Seeking general guidance on effective presentations. Generating initial ideas for key points, sequence, or visuals for presentations.

Not acceptable: Uncritically using AI to produce the key points, visuals, or structure for presentations. Using AI to generate a script that is memorized or read for the presentation.

Preparing for Oral Defense

Acceptable: No acceptable use 

Not acceptable: Using AI to generate possible answer to potential oral defense questions (and memorizing or reading them).