Example Syllabus Text for Generative AI

The technology and capabilities of generative AI are rapidly evolving. We do not definitively know the “right” way to use it yet, and worse, that “right” way will continuously change with the technology. Nonetheless, our goal in the classroom is clear: to support and enable your learning.

AI usage in this classroom will follow guidelines based on that principle. A few ground rules:

• Learning requires thinking and productive struggle, and we will not use AI to replace or short-circuit this process.
• You must disclose and credit AI usage using the course’s AI disclosure template. I will disclose any AI use in designing course materials or grading assignments.
• For all parts of the course, there will be clear rules on what, if any, AI usage is acceptable. Ask me if you have any questions about what usage is allowed.
• We will thoughtfully consider how we know whether an AI output is correct, given the possibilities of incorrect or misleading responses. You are ultimately responsible for submitted work.
• A general rule of thumb is: If you would consider it cheating to ask a friend to help you with your coursework in a particular way, it is also cheating to ask AI to do it.
• I reserve the right to ask in-person follow-up questions on any assignment to assess your role in its creation and will use this input in grading.
• [IF TRUE] You are welcome to completely refrain from generative AI usage in this course. If you are concerned about what that looks like for a particular assignment, you are welcome to talk to me.
• [OTHERWISE] While we will not uncritically accept output from generative AI in this course, some interactions with AI are a required part of your coursework.