Teaching & Learning
- For both undergraduate and graduate students, AI-generated writing used in submitted academic work is treated as plagiarism, and using AI-generated answers is treated as cheating
- The policy also states that students are responsible for following the course syllabus and consulting the instructor when assignment criteria are unclear, so instructor-specific rules can control whether AI use is allowed
Overall, the student is responsible for following the course syllabus and consulting with the course instructor to confirm academic integrity policies.
Writing generated entirely by an AI program (such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard) that does not align with the instructor’s own AI policy. This includes any submitted writing required for any course activity or assessment that does not acknowledge the help of AI.
Using answers generated by an AI program without permission from the course instructor.
• Writing generated by an AI program such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT
• Using answers generated by an AI program such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT.
●Writing generated by an AI program such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT
● Using answers generated by AI programs such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT.
- AI use during exams, quizzes, and other assessments is prohibited unless the instructor has approved it
- The catalogs classify using AI-generated answers as cheating, and unapproved materials or devices during examinations are also prohibited
Cheating. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, any attempt by students to answer questions on a test or quiz by any means other than their own knowledge.
Using answers generated by an AI program without permission from the course instructor.
• Use of any materials in the process of completing an examination which have not been approved by the instructor; including a cell phone or other digital storage device
• Using answers generated by an AI program such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, any attempt by students to answer questions on a test or quiz by any means other than their own knowledge.
● Use of any materials in the process of completing an examination which have not been approved by the instructor; including a cell phone or other digital storage device
● Using answers generated by AI programs such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT.
Research
Academic Integrity
- When AI help is used in submitted writing, the work must acknowledge that help, and students are directed to citation-style guidance
- The web policy ties this to the instructor’s AI policy, while the catalogs require proper citation and consultation with the instructor when assignment criteria are unclear
Writing generated entirely by an AI program (such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard) that does not align with the instructor’s own AI policy. This includes any submitted writing required for any course activity or assessment that does not acknowledge the help of AI. Students are encouraged to consult MLA, APA, Chicago Style, and Creative Commons guidelines.
Students are encouraged to consult MLA, APA, Chicago Style, and Creative Commons guidelines even if AI usage is permitted.
• Part or all of an assignment copied or paraphrased from another source, any on-line source, a book, a magazine, or a manuscript, without proper citation
In terms of plagiarism, when in doubt as to the criteria for assignments, it is the student’s responsibility to consult beforehand with the instructor who will receive the finished work.
●Part or all of an assignment copied or paraphrased from another source, any on-line source, a book, a magazine, or a manuscript, without proper citation
In terms of plagiarism, when in doubt as to the criteria for assignments, it is the student’s responsibility to consult beforehand with the instructor who will receive the finished work.
- AI-related academic misconduct is enforced through the college academic integrity process rather than through a stated AI-detection-tool policy
- Instructors assign sanctions consistent with the syllabus and catalog, cases are reviewed by the Academic Integrity Liaison using a preponderance-of-evidence standard, and repeat offenses can lead to suspension or expulsion
All cases will be resolved based on whether a reasonable preponderance of evidence exists to support claims that students violated the Aquinas College Student Code of Conduct for Academic Integrity as outlined in the Course Catalog.
In the event of an alleged violation, faculty are responsible for submitting “Academic Integrity Reporting Form.” Students must submit the “Academic Integrity Student Response Form”.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy. If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarism, the instructor will communicate with the student. If it is confirmed that a violation has occurred, the instructor will determine which of the following penalties is to be applied in accordance with the instructor’s course syllabus:
• The student may fail the test or paper in question.
• The student may be required to resubmit work or do additional work.
• The student may be assigned a grade of “F” for the course.
Second Offense: College Sanctions. All students who accept responsibility for an Academic Integrity Sanction will be notified that a second offense could result in suspension or expulsion from the College.
The Academic Liaison will determine whether the evidence provided reasonably supports the allegation.
The Dean of Students Office is responsible for maintaining Academic Integrity reports as part of the Student Judicial database. Transcript designations are not used for violations.
If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarism, the instructor will communicate with the student. If it is confirmed that a violation has occurred, the instructor will determine which of the following penalties is to be applied in accordance with the instructor’s course syllabus:
●The student may fail the test or paper in question.
●The student may be required to resubmit work or do additional work.
●The student may be assigned a grade of “F” for the course.
All students who accept responsibility for an Academic Integrity Sanction will be notified that a second offense could result in suspension or expulsion from the College.
Institutional & Administrative
- Faculty and staff are expected to uphold academic integrity values, and faculty have defined enforcement responsibilities in academic integrity cases
- No explicit policy was found on faculty or staff use of AI for grading, feedback, lesson planning, recommendation letters, or administrative communications
Students, faculty, and staff are expected to act based on these values; therefore, academic dishonesty is treated as a serious offense.
In the event of an alleged violation, faculty are responsible for submitting “Academic Integrity Reporting Form.”
Faculty Responsibilities. To impose a sanction, faculty members must meet with the student confidentially, explain the alleged violation and proposed sanction, and submit the on-line “Academic Integrity Reporting Form” including the corroborating evidence.
- The sources do not identify any AI-specific approved platform list
- Only ITS-approved software may be installed on managed Aquinas devices, and faculty, staff, and students may not install unapproved software without consulting ITS
- Aquinas requires staff and faculty software purchases for on-campus use to go through ITS approval and review, including review of any confidential data shared with third parties
Staff/Faculty wishing to purchase software for on-campus use must fill out a software request form. All details and related contract information must be included for review.
This form must be completed and submitted to the director of Information Technology & Services for approval. The request should also be evaluated to ensure that any confidential data that may be shared with a third party is handled appropriately and in compliance with the Confidential Data Management Policy (http://www.aquinas.edu/about/pdf/confidentiality_policy.pdf).
The only software applications that may be installed on a managed Aquinas device are those that have been approved by ITS administrators through the above acquisition process.
Approved applications are made available to faculty, staff, and students via an approved software distribution process.
Aside from installing these pre-approved applications, under no circumstances shall any Aquinas faculty, staff, or student install software onto an Aquinas workstation without first consulting ITS this includes demonstration versions of software.
DocuMark: Responsible AI Use for Academic Integrity
Knowing your institution's AI policy is step one. DocuMark helps enforce it fairly by empowering universities to manage AI-generated content, prevent cheating, and support student writing through responsible AI use.
Common Questions About Aquinas College's AI Policies
Aquinas College has defined AI policies in 6 of 12 categories, with an overall coverage score of 50%.
When AI help is used in submitted writing, the work must acknowledge that help, and students are directed to citation-style guidance. The web policy ties this to the instructor’s AI policy, while the catalogs require proper citation and consultation with the instructor when assignment criteria are unclear.
AI-related academic misconduct is enforced through the college academic integrity process rather than through a stated AI-detection-tool policy. Instructors assign sanctions consistent with the syllabus and catalog, cases are reviewed by the Academic Integrity Liaison using a preponderance-of-evidence standard, and repeat offenses can lead to suspension or expulsion.
Aquinas requires staff and faculty software purchases for on-campus use to go through ITS approval and review, including review of any confidential data shared with third parties. Only ITS-approved software may be installed on managed Aquinas devices, and faculty, staff, and students may not install unapproved software without consulting ITS. The sources do not identify any AI-specific approved platform list.