Introduction: Principle & Philosophy
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is any tool or service used to help generate content quickly. Generative AI is an assistant tool, not a replacement for individual thought and creation. While convenient, Generative AI may not be a reliable nor accurate source of information. AI usage should be considered an accessory, not a replacement for scholarly sources, not a shortcut to learning. In the case that AI-generated content is used without faculty approval, it may lead to academic integrity violations.
Academic Integrity Policy
The SMC Academic Integrity Policy includes information on the use of AI and clearly states “one’s work must be one’s own.” Click here to read the full SMC Academic Integrity Policy
Syllabus and Levels of Use
As faculty, it is vital to clarify if and how the AI tools should be used, including instructions about citations. The course syllabus is a great place to include the expectations on the use of AI. Also, it is recommended to review them at the start of the course and then revisit them when introducing relevant assignments.
Catch All Statement
All instances of Generative AI must be cited when an assignment allows for the use of such tools. It should not be used when otherwise indicated.
The points below are designed to be examples only. Please modify for your own course.
For your own course, you might discover that you require more concrete language. Here are examples for different scenarios. The following color-coded 🚦 levels of use might be helpful to indicate acceptable use of AI.
🔴 No Use
Generative AI tools are not permitted for any work, or portion of work, in this class. Using them may interfere with your ability to be an independent thinker. Any use may result in a violation of the Saint Michael’s College academic integrity policy.
🟡 Use with Permission
During class, and for class assignments, we may use Generative AI tools in specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use where permission is not granted may result in a violation of the Saint Michael’s College academic integrity policy.
🟢 Full Use
Generative AI tools are welcome in this class, provided you properly cite when and how you use the tools. You will be provided examples of how to cite (both full or partial) use of Generative AI tools in creating submitted materials (text, imagery, audio, and video). Any use without citation may result in a violation of the Saint Michael’s College academic integrity policy.
Citation Guidelines – For Students
For proper citation guidelines please work with your instructor, writing center and library staff for acceptable methods. Below are some examples.
MLA Format:
“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald”
prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.
More information on citing AI in MLA
APA Format:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
More information on citing AI in APA
Additional Citation Resources
Appendix
Definition of Generative AI
Generative AI is any tool or service used to help generate content in different mediums such as text, images, audio or video.
-
Examples of AI: ChatGPT, Midjourney, Dall-E, Gemini, Copilot.
Security & Data
When using any Generative AI tools, never input any Saint Michael’s College confidential/sensitive data or personal information (i.e., addresses, social security numbers, SMC ID numbers, financial information, phone numbers, etc.). These guidelines are aligned with SMC’s current Data Security Policy and Information Security Acceptable Use Policy.
Proofreading and Verification
When using Generative AI tools keep in mind that many are language models, not research models. Generative AI tools may state information that is misleading or outright false. Make sure to verify any information given with another reliable source.
Bias in Responses
Consider the source material where bias may be present. Generative AI tools gather data from a vast amount of online resources.
ChatGPT Cutoff Date
ChatGPT can only output results up to a certain date. Keep this in mind if your prompt references something beyond the cutoff date. Depending on your version of ChatGPT, the date cut off limit is continuously changing.
Disclaimer
These statements are NOT required. As a faculty member, you might choose to prohibit AI content generation, utilize it for specific purposes, or encourage it generally. The College does not have a policy banning all use of AI. However, you are encouraged to consider what course expectation is the best fit for your outcomes, students’ learning, and academic integrity. We highly recommend that your syllabus clearly discusses your stance.
References
Adobe. (2024). Inpaint. Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://firefly.adobe.com/generate/inpaint
Blumberg, J. (2023). Communicating your ChatGPT AI policies. Champlain Learning & Teaching. Retrieved [April 17, 2024], from https://clt.champlain.edu/kb/communicating-your-chatgpt-ai-policies/
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Feb 10 version) [Large language model].
https://chat.openai.com/chat
Perkins, M., Furze, L., Roe, J., & MacVaugh, J. (2023). Navigating the Generative AI era: Introducing the AI assessment scale for ethical GenAI assessment. arXiv preprint arXiv:2312.07086.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2023). Student generative AI usage guidance. Retrieved [April 17, 2024], from https://provost.unc.edu/student-generative-ai-usage-guidance/
Authors generated a clipart of a traffic light with the assistance of Adobe Firefly Image generator using prompts: “Give me a clipart of a traffic light”. Upon generating the draft image, the authors reviewed and revised the image to their own liking and took responsibility for it.
During the brainstorming process, the authors partially generated this document with the assistance of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, using the following prompts: “Give me an outline of Generative AI guidance for college students” and “For an American liberal arts college.” Upon generating draft language, the authors reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and took responsibility for it.