Sample Guidelines and Syllabus Statement Amendments

AI Use Allowed

• Brainstorming topic ideas  -  List AI as a source if it influenced your submitted work.
• Generating an outline or structure -  Generating an outline or structure is okay, however you must write and develop content yourself.
• Summarizing readings or articles -  Include a citation or note of AI use.
• Rewriting for grammar/clarity (e.g., Grammarly, Word Editor)  -  Built-in tools (not content generation) are allowed.
• Translating short phrases or definitions  -  OK for clarifying a word phrase, but not to complete assignments.

AI Use Not Allowed

• Writing full drafts of assignments - Your own work is required.
• Creating final discussion responses/posts  -  Responses must be your own writing.
• Completing quizzes, exams, or assessments  - Strictly prohibited unless specifically stated  that is is allowed.
• Analyzing data or solving problems  - Submit your own analysis and reasoning.
• Generating citations or references  - Use library tools or citation guides as AI sometimes fabricates sources.

Disclosure & Citation Requirements

If you use AI follow these disclosure guidelines.

• Did you use AI to generate content or ideas ?  Clearly acknowledge the tool you used (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude).
• Did you use AI to summarize a reading?  State the AI tool used and double-check for accuracy.
• Did you Use AI to translate or rephrase text? Include an explanation if content was significantly changed by AI.

When citing AI-generated content, it's essential to provide as much information as possible about the source, including the title, author (if available), publication date, and URL if applicable. Additionally, you should follow the general principles of academic integrity and provide citations to give credit to the original creators of the content. Below are some resources for reference:

• APA Style Blog: How to cite ChatGPT
• Chicago Style: How do you recommend citing content developed or generated by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT?
• MLA Style: How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?
• Brown University Library – Generative AI Citation & Attribution
• Penn State – Citing Generative AI Tools
• Purdue University – How to Cite AI-Generated Content

Citation Examples

"Portions of this essay were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, version 4.0, accessed on March 12, 2025. The tool was used to outline the main arguments."

APA (7th ed.)

Google. (2025, August 7). Response to a question about student retention strategies. Gemini. https://gemini.google.com.

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (April 4 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

MLA (9th ed.)

Google. Response to a question about student retention strategies. Gemini, 7 Aug. 2025, https://gemini.google.com.

OpenAI. ChatGPT, 4 Apr. 2025, chat.openai.com/chat. Response to prompt: “Summarize the French Revolution.”

Student Responsibilities

• Understand what is allowed.  When in doubt, ask your instructor before using an AI tool.
• Verify accuracy of AI-generated content. You are accountable for incorrect or fabricated information.
• Avoid using AI to replace your own thinking. This course values your original analysis, reasoning, and expression.
• Disclose AI assistance. Failure to do so may be considered academic misconduct.
• Follow Course-Specific Guidelines. You must adhere to your instructor's AI use policy as detailed in the course syllabus.
• Disclose AI Use. When using AI, you must cite or acknowledge the tool (e.g., "ChatGPT was used to outline this paper").
• Ensure Accuracy. You are responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content.
• Respect Privacy and Copyright. You must not input confidential, copyrighted, or protected information into public AI systems, consistent with TBR confidentiality, copyright, and research compliance policies.

Academic Integrity Reminder

Use of AI that violates course policy may be treated as a violation of Vol State Policy III:00:05 on Student Conduct and Discipline Standards. Consequences may include grade penalties, formal reporting, or disciplinary action depending on severity.

Research Use

• Faculty and students conducting research with AI tools must adhere to data security, intellectual property, and human subject’s protection standards.
• Use of AI in federally defined human subjects research at Vol State must be approved by an Institutional Review Board.
• Researchers are responsible for citing AI tools and clearly delineating AI contributions in any research outputs.

Have Questions?

If you're unsure whether a tool or use case is allowed, please email your instructor before using it in coursework.