Teaching & Learning
- ACC does not provide a single college-wide rule in the provided sources, but it explicitly tells students to check each course syllabus and ask faculty whether generative AI is acceptable in a given course
- In the Nursing Program, AI may be used for limited assignment support such as idea generation, research, and outlining if the use is disclosed and cited, but using AI to complete assignments without disclosure, submitting AI-generated work as one's own, cut-and-paste use, or using AI when an instructor has forbidden it is prohibited and treated as academic dishonesty or plagiarism
While plagiarism detection tools can assist in ensuring the authenticity of your work, ask your faculty and instructors if AND when the use of generative AI platforms is acceptable in each course. Always properly attribute sources and give credit where it's due.
Using AI to complete coursework can be considered plagiarism or cheating and can lead to consequences, such as failing assignments or disciplinary action.
• Generating ideas, research, or creating an outline for a research paper. (AI use must be disclosed and cited in the correct APA format). Assignments must reflect student understanding of the topic. Ideas generated by AI must be critically evaluated and expanded on by the student, adding authentic thoughts, ideas, and insights. Students must be able to demonstrate their understanding independently.
• Using AI to complete assignments without disclosure, or submitting AI-generated work as one's own, is considered academic dishonesty. This includes using AI for essays, research papers, discussion boards, creative writing, SIM homework, or analytical responses without proper citations.
• Any “cut and paste” use of AI where the student asks a question and then cuts and pastes the answer for the assignment.
• Using AI tools when the instructor has forbidden it. Students should always consult with their instructor if they are unsure about the appropriate use of AI tools.
• Any use of AI that is uncited or undisclosed to the instructor is considered plagiarism.
- The provided sources do not set a general ACC-wide exam AI rule, but the Nursing Program ties AI use to academic misconduct and assessment security
- Nursing faculty may investigate suspected AI use in assessed work, require students to reproduce work in person or explain it orally, and confirmed misconduct can result in a zero on the assignment plus additional disciplinary consequences
Students Will Affirm the Following Statement Regarding Academic Misconduct:
“In submitting this exam and/or assignment, I hereby affirm this is my work alone and I have neither received nor given assistance to another student on this exam and/or assignment. I understand all evaluation materials are secure and no questions in whole or in part were copied, photographed, or transmitted to any other person.”
• If AI use is suspected, faculty may require students to reproduce the content in person. This may involve writing a similar essay, explaining their thought process, or demonstrating their knowledge through an oral examination.
• If AI use is confirmed, the student has used cut-and-paste features, and/or plagiarism or inadequate citation is present, the student will receive a zero on the assignment. In addition, the nursing program will follow the college-wide Student Behavioral Expectations and Responsibilities Resolution Procedure (SP4-30a) which may result in an additional grade reduction, course failure, or disciplinary action. Cases will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
- ACC affirmatively presents AI as a learning aid and directs students to support resources about responsible use
- The blog and Nursing Program allow AI for study support such as research help, flashcards, quizzes, concept explanation, language support, and similar non-graded learning assistance, with cautions that students must verify accuracy, engage critically, and not rely on AI in place of their own learning
There is incredible potential of AI for learning and growth.
1. Enhanced Efficiency: AI tools can help you streamline your academic tasks, from organizing study materials to managing your schedule.
2. Research Aid: AI can assist you in conducting more effective research by helping you locate relevant sources, summarizing articles, and identifying key information.
4. Language Support: AI-powered language tools can help interpret tone in writing and simplify complex information. Additionally, AI can provide valuable assistance to English language learners, help enhance writing skills and foster effective communication.
2. Critical Thinking: Relying solely on AI-generated material or solutions can hinder your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Engage with your coursework actively.
• Utilizing AI-powered flashcards, quizzes, and other study aids to reinforce learning, while verifying the accuracy of the content.
• Using products like Grammarly to help with spelling, grammar, punctuation, and language proficiency.
• Using AI to explain complex concepts and provide additional examples
Curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on education? Dive into AI models, history, prompt generation, and important considerations in this LibGuide written by one of our fantastic librarians.
Research
- The provided sources only address student research-paper assistance within coursework, not broader institutional rules for scholarly manuscripts
- In the Nursing Program, AI may be used to generate ideas, support research, and create an outline for a research paper if the use is disclosed and cited in APA format, and the student's submission must still reflect their own understanding and independently demonstrable knowledge
• Generating ideas, research, or creating an outline for a research paper. (AI use must be disclosed and cited in the correct APA format). Assignments must reflect student understanding of the topic. Ideas generated by AI must be critically evaluated and expanded on by the student, adding authentic thoughts, ideas, and insights. Students must be able to demonstrate their understanding independently.
• Using AI to complete assignments without disclosure, or submitting AI-generated work as one's own, is considered academic dishonesty. This includes using AI for essays, research papers, discussion boards, creative writing, SIM homework, or analytical responses without proper citations.
- The provided sources do not establish a general institutional policy for grant proposals, IRB materials, or formal research ethics filings
- Within the Nursing Program, AI use is framed as an academic integrity and ethical practice issue tied to evidence-based practice, patient safety, and the requirement that students vet AI outputs for accuracy and create their own work
First and foremost, we are a nursing program, and our practice is built on research and evidence-based practice. Patient outcomes depend on our ethical practice, and we take this responsibility seriously.
As faculty, our goal is to guide students in the use of new AI models while also asking that students create their own work and vet everything for accuracy.
The goal is to promote academic integrity, ensure fairness, and support effective learning.
Academic Integrity
- ACC requires attribution when AI is used, and the Nursing Program makes disclosure explicit and mandatory for allowed uses
- In nursing coursework, AI use for research-paper idea generation or outlining must be disclosed and cited in correct APA format, undisclosed or uncited AI use is treated as plagiarism, and students must properly attribute AI assistance
Always properly attribute sources and give credit where it's due.
• Generating ideas, research, or creating an outline for a research paper. (AI use must be disclosed and cited in the correct APA format).
• Any use of AI that is uncited or undisclosed to the instructor is considered plagiarism.
• Maintain Integrity: Ensure that all submitted work is their own and properly attribute any AI assistance.
- ACC states that inappropriate AI use can be treated as plagiarism or cheating and can trigger assignment failure or disciplinary action
- The Nursing Program specifically uses AI and plagiarism detection software, combines those tools with faculty review of writing irregularities, may require in-person verification of authorship, and imposes a zero plus possible grade reduction, course failure, disciplinary action, and Dean of Students reporting when misuse is confirmed
Using AI to complete coursework can be considered plagiarism or cheating and can lead to consequences, such as failing assignments or disciplinary action.
• The nursing program often uses AI and plagiarism software for key assignments in nursing courses. This includes products such as Turnitin, Office 365 AI detector, and others. In addition, faculty review student work carefully, noting any inconsistencies in writing style, unusual vocabulary, or content that seems beyond the student's demonstrated ability.
• When unacceptable AI use or plagiarism is detected, the student will be notified immediately and an in-person or Zoom conference will be scheduled.
• If AI use is suspected, faculty may require students to reproduce the content in person. This may involve writing a similar essay, explaining their thought process, or demonstrating their knowledge through an oral examination.
• If AI use is confirmed, the student has used cut-and-paste features, and/or plagiarism or inadequate citation is present, the student will receive a zero on the assignment. In addition, the nursing program will follow the college-wide Student Behavioral Expectations and Responsibilities Resolution Procedure (SP4-30a) which may result in an additional grade reduction, course failure, or disciplinary action. Cases will be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
Institutional & Administrative
- The provided sources do not contain a general ACC policy governing faculty or staff use of AI for grading, feedback, lesson planning, recommendation letters, or administrative communication
- The only explicit faculty-related AI statements in the sources are within the Nursing Program, where faculty say they will guide students in AI use, create assignments that call for students' own reflections and analysis, review work for signs of misuse, and may permit AI for an in-class activity
As faculty, our goal is to guide students in the use of new AI models while also asking that students create their own work and vet everything for accuracy.
Faculty are dedicated to creating assignments that ask for personal experiences and reflections and allow the student to generate their own insights and analysis of a topic.
• Using AI for an in-class activity with the faculty’s permission.
• The nursing program often uses AI and plagiarism software for key assignments in nursing courses.
- The provided sources do not identify approved AI platforms or a specific AI data-classification policy
- However, the faculty handbook imposes privacy and confidentiality requirements for student records and personally identifiable information, which restrict what faculty may expose or share when using computers and educational records systems
The second is to restrict access to those records to the student and a limited group of officials with a legitimate educational interest.
Do not discuss student records or progress with individuals who are not employed by the College and/or do not have a legitimate educational need for the information.
Be very careful about what information is left on desks or tables in unlocked areas. Do not leave test or homework papers out in public view, or any item that shows any type of personally identifiable information.
When working with student records on paper or computer, be aware of what is visible when someone comes into your office. Cover it if it is confidential.
Make sure computers that can access student records are logged off when you are not at your desk. Never share passwords with other individuals including work-studies or hourly employees.
- The provided sources do not set out an institution-wide AI governance structure, strategy, committee, or roadmap
- They show only local guidance and educational resources: a student-facing blog encouraging responsible AI use, a tutoring page linking to an AI LibGuide, and a Nursing Program policy specific to health sciences academic programs
That's why we want to chat about how we can embrace AI in our studies while being cautious and responsible.
Curious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on education? Dive into AI models, history, prompt generation, and important considerations in this LibGuide written by one of our fantastic librarians.
We would like to provide students with the following guidelines on the use of AI specific to our health sciences academic programs.
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 Arapahoe Community College's AI Policies
Arapahoe Community College has defined AI policies in 10 of 12 categories, with an overall coverage score of 83%.
ACC requires attribution when AI is used, and the Nursing Program makes disclosure explicit and mandatory for allowed uses. In nursing coursework, AI use for research-paper idea generation or outlining must be disclosed and cited in correct APA format, undisclosed or uncited AI use is treated as plagiarism, and students must properly attribute AI assistance.
ACC states that inappropriate AI use can be treated as plagiarism or cheating and can trigger assignment failure or disciplinary action. The Nursing Program specifically uses AI and plagiarism detection software, combines those tools with faculty review of writing irregularities, may require in-person verification of authorship, and imposes a zero plus possible grade reduction, course failure, disciplinary action, and Dean of Students reporting when misuse is confirmed.
The provided sources do not identify approved AI platforms or a specific AI data-classification policy. However, the faculty handbook imposes privacy and confidentiality requirements for student records and personally identifiable information, which restrict what faculty may expose or share when using computers and educational records systems.