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United States Military Academy Library


Generative Artificial Intelligence

Acceptable Use

Faculty Must Incorporate Specific Terms and Guidelines in Their Syllabi to Clearly Communicate How and When Cadets Can Use GenAI tools. 

By providing precise and clear language, faculty can better manage the integration of GenAI in the classroom, fostering an environment that supports learning and integrity. Using specific language with cadets in the syllabus is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Clarity and Understanding: Clear guidelines help cadets understand exactly how and when they can use GenAI tools, reducing confusion and ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.
  2. Academic Integrity: Specific language helps uphold academic integrity by setting boundaries on GenAI usage, ensuring that cadets' work reflects their own understanding and efforts.
  3. Skill Development: Detailed instructions on GenAI use can guide cadets in developing critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills, as they learn to use these tools responsibly and effectively.
  4. Consistency: Consistent terminology across courses and faculty helps maintain a uniform standard, making it easier for cadets to adapt and comply with the rules.

Specific language in syllabi regarding GenAI use also serves as a teaching tool, educating cadets about the evolving landscape of technology in academia and preparing them for similar considerations in their future professional lives. Moreover, it opens up opportunities for meaningful discussions about GenAI ethics, digital literacy, and the changing nature of knowledge creation, enriching the overall educational experience beyond just the course content. Faculty are incorporating specific terms and guidelines in their syllabi to clearly communicate how and when cadets can use GenAI tools. Here is some sample language:

Cadets may use AI tools, including GenAI, in this course as learning aids or to help produce assignments. However, cadets are ultimately accountable for the work they submit to be assessed and assigned grades.

  • Cadets must submit, as an appendix with their assignments, any content produced by an GenAI tool, and the prompt used to generate the content.
  • Cadets may utilize GenAI tools for brainstorming and initial drafts. However, all final submissions must be refined and edited by the cadet, who remains responsible for the accuracy and quality of the work.
  • The use of GenAI tools is permitted for research assistance and idea generation. Cadets must maintain a log of all GenAI interactions, including prompts used and outputs received, to be submitted with the final assignment.
  • GenAI can be used as a learning aid throughout the course. Cadets are required to critically evaluate and substantially modify any GenAI-generated content before submission, ensuring it aligns with their own understanding and perspective.

This course allows for the use of GenAI technologies as part of the research and preparation phase of the work; for example, using these technologies to assist with research, generating ideas, creating summaries of topics, and developing drafts of text that are then used as an input to the work cadets do to generate a final assignment.

  • GenAI tools may be used for preliminary data analysis in lab reports. However, all interpretations, conclusions, and discussions must be the cadets' original work.

This course allows the use of GenAI for any work submitted by cadets, working individually or in groups as directed by class assignment instructions. When submitting an assignment that contributes toward the course grade, there is an expectation to acknowledge what content was generated by GenAI tools.

  • Cadets are free to use GenAI throughout their work, including for writing, coding, and problem-solving. Each use must be clearly marked in the submission, with a brief explanation of how the GenAI output was incorporated.
  • In group projects, GenAI can be used for task planning and initial content creation. The team must collaboratively refine and expand upon this content, clearly indicating which sections utilized GenAI assistance.
  • For literature reviews, GenAI tools can be used to summarize articles and identify key themes. Cadets must independently verify all information and construct their own critical analysis of the literature.
  • GenAI tools can be fully utilized in all aspects of coursework. Cadets must include an 'AI Use Statement' with each assignment, detailing the extent and nature of GenAI assistance received.
  • This course encourages the exploration of GenAI capabilities. Cadets should use GenAI freely but must maintain a running commentary throughout their work, reflecting on how GenAI inputs shaped their thinking and final product.

The use of GenAI tools or apps for assignments in this course, including tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly and other GenAI writing or coding assistants, is prohibited.

  • The use of GenAI tools is strictly prohibited for all written assignments. All work must be entirely the cadet's own, reflecting their individual understanding and analysis.
  • AI-assisted writing or coding tools are not permitted in this course. Any detected use of such tools will be considered a violation of academic integrity and dealt with accordingly.
  • This course focuses on developing your personal writing style and critical thinking skills. Therefore, the use of GenAI writing assistants or text generators is forbidden for all coursework.

Cadets should be transparent about how they use GenAI.

  • Cadets are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity when using GenAI tools. Any use of GenAI must be clearly documented, and cadets should be prepared to explain their decision-making process in using GenAI-generated content.
  • While GenAI tools can be valuable learning aids, they should never be used to misrepresent one's abilities or knowledge. Cadets must always be transparent about their use of GenAI and how it contributed to their work.
  • The ethical use of GenAI in academia is an important skill. Cadets are encouraged to reflect on the implications of GenAI use in their field of study and to discuss any ethical concerns with their faculty.

Additional Resources for Generative AI Syllabus Language

Check out this list of example GenAI policy statements compiled by Lance Eaton, who has compiled a list of over 100 sample syllabus policy statements from a range of disciplines. 

Leon Furze and colleagues have developed an AI Assessment Scale with language you can consider using when creating your syllabus. 

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