Alabama State University AI Policy

Alabama State University’s AI Use Policy (a) supports the use of generative AI tools to foster idea creation, digital innovation, and to enhance proofreading of original work; (b) grants faculty-level authority to establish course-specific AI policies;(c) mandates the inclusion of AI policy use statements on syllabi; (d) prohibits the use of AI to generate full texts or full discussion responses to circumvent the submission of original work in compliance with the University’s position on plagiarism and academic integrity; and (e) requires faculty and students to document their use of AI in adherence to relevant writing guidelines (e.g., American Psychological Association, Modern Language Association).

Students should be aware that each faculty member has the authority to set course-specific AI policies. These policies will be outlined in the course syllabus and will include details on how AI may or may not be used for coursework. It is the student’s responsibility to read and comply with these guidelines.

Students are not allowed to use AI to generate full papers, discussion responses, or assignments in a way that replaces their own original work.

Alabama State University supports the use of generative AI tools to stimulate idea creation and support proofreading in academic contexts.

Alabama State University (ASU) recognizes the growing role of AI in education and encourages its responsible use by students. Artificial Intelligence tools can be beneficial for idea generation, digital innovation, and proofreading, but they must be used in ways that uphold the University’s commitment to academic integrity and originality. While students are permitted to use AI to enhance their learning experience, they are expected to submit original work and follow ethical guidelines when incorporating AI-generated content into their assignments.

Section III: Syllabus Requirement

Faculty integrating AI tools into their courses must include a concise AI Policy Use Statement on their syllabi. This statement should outline the purpose, scope, restrictions, and guidelines for AI tool utilization within their courses.

Section V: Documentation of AI Use

Faculty and staff are responsible for documenting their use of AI tools based on relevant writing guidelines pertinent to the course (e.g., American Psychological Association-APA, Modern Language Association-MLA). This documentation should elucidate the way AI is employed for idea generation, proofreading, and other academically supported purposes.

Students are required to document their use of AI tools, particularly when such usage contributes to academic content. Proper citation and acknowledgement of AI-generated content are mandatory to preserve academic integrity.

To ensure transparency, students are required to document their use of AI tools according to appropriate academic writing standards, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines. If AI-assisted content is used in an assignment, students must properly cite and acknowledge the source.

Alabama State University strictly prohibits the use of AI or any automated means in violation of academic integrity and plagiarism policies. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to produce original work, and any attempt to employ AI to circumvent this expectation will result in consequences to include disciplinary actions based on the University policy.

Any concerns, violations, or disputes related to AI tool usage should be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs, as well as the Office of Student Affairs, for investigation and resolution.

Any attempt to submit AI-generated content as one’s own without proper acknowledgment is considered plagiarism and will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the University’s academic integrity policies.

Any concerns or violations related to AI use should be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs or the Office of Student Affairs for review and resolution.

Section II: Faculty-level Authority for AI Policies

Faculty possess the authority to establish course-specific AI policies that align with ASU’s overarching AI Use Policy. These policies should outline the purpose, scope, restrictions, and guidelines for AI tool utilization within their courses.

Section III: Syllabus Requirement

Faculty integrating AI tools into their courses must include a concise AI Policy Use Statement on their syllabi. This statement should outline the purpose, scope, restrictions, and guidelines for AI tool utilization within their courses. This statement should also delineate the rationale behind the required use of any AI tool, the specific technology requirements within the course, and the expectations for student engagement with AI technology.

Faculty and staff are responsible for documenting their use of AI tools based on relevant writing guidelines pertinent to the course (e.g., American Psychological Association-APA, Modern Language Association-MLA). This documentation should elucidate the way AI is employed for idea generation, proofreading, and other academically supported purposes.

II. Policy Statement:

Alabama State University’s AI Use Policy

This policy is effective upon official approval by the ASU Board of Trustees

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

The Provost, Associate Provost, Assistant Provost, Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and Faculty, have a fundamental responsibility to:

● Have a general knowledge of the Artificial Intelligence policy;

● Incorporate this policy into daily operations and distribute to all faculty, students, and staff.

Any concerns, violations, or disputes related to AI tool usage should be reported to the Office of Academic Affairs, as well as the Office of Student Affairs, for investigation and resolution.

Approved by BOT: February 2, 2024