Using AI to Generate an AI Use Policy for College Student Writing

In my Introduction to Sociology course this summer, I noticed for the first time signs that students were using AI software to generate responses to writing assignments.

Having read student writing for over 25 years now, I know the “voice” of AI-generated text differs from the “voice” of undergraduate student-generated text. In the olden times, I would know when students were copy-pasting from other sources without attribution for this same reason.

Because AI is new to me, I did not have an AI use policy in my course syllabus this summer. But I realize I need to have one going forward.

Because AI is also new to students, I want to give the benefit of the doubt in assuming they may not realize what is and is not permissible in using AI for writing assignments. So the policy needs to be formative, not just punitive.

Because I had no idea where to start, I asked Google’s Bard to generate a policy for me. My prompt was: “Write a policy on appropriate use of AI by college students in writing assignments.”

Bard generated three responses, the first and third of which I liked most, though the differed in style. I have copy-pasted both below.

BARD RESPONSE #1

Policy on Appropriate Use of AI by College Students in Writing Assignments

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools by college students in writing assignments.

Scope

This policy applies to all college students who use AI writing tools in their coursework.

Definitions

• AI writing tool is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to generate text, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Jasper.
• Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work as your own.
• Academic dishonesty is any act that violates the academic integrity of a college or university.

Policy

Students are permitted to use AI writing tools in their coursework, but they must do so in an appropriate manner. Specifically, students must:

• Acknowledge the use of AI writing tools in their work. If you use an AI writing tool to generate any part of your work, you must acknowledge the use of the tool in your author’s notes or attributions.
• Do not plagiarize. You must not present AI-generated text as your own work. If you use AI-generated text in your work, you must cite the source of the text.
• Be aware of the limitations of AI writing tools. AI writing tools are not perfect. They can sometimes generate text that is inaccurate, biased, or otherwise inappropriate. Students must use their own judgment to evaluate the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated text.

Violations of the Policy

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the college or university.

Questions

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact your instructor or the college or university’s academic integrity office.

Effective Date

This policy is effective immediately.

BARD RESPONSE #3

Policy on Appropriate Use of AI by College Students in Writing Assignments

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we write and communicate. AI writing tools can be used to generate text, translate languages, and even write creative content. However, there are also concerns that AI writing tools can be used to plagiarize or cheat on assignments.

This policy outlines the appropriate use of AI writing tools by college students in writing assignments. The policy is intended to ensure that students use AI tools responsibly and ethically, and that they do not use these tools to violate academic integrity.

Policy

• Students are allowed to use AI writing tools to help them with their writing assignments. However, students must not use AI tools to plagiarize or cheat on assignments.
• If students use AI tools to generate text, they must cite the source of the text in their assignment.
• Students must not use AI tools to replace their own writing. AI tools should be used as a supplement to students’ own writing process, not as a replacement.
• Students must be aware of the limitations of AI writing tools. AI tools are not perfect, and they can sometimes generate inaccurate or biased text.

Violations of the Policy

Violations of this policy will be considered academic dishonesty. Students who violate the policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the university.

Conclusion

AI writing tools can be a valuable tool for students, but they must be used responsibly and ethically. Students must be aware of the limitations of AI writing tools, and they must not use these tools to plagiarize or cheat on assignments.

Questions

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact your instructor or the university’s Office of Academic Integrity.