Teaching & Learning
- Bradley University sets a default rule that students may not submit AI-generated work as their own without attribution
- Course-level rules can be stricter, and individual instructors are expected to communicate non-permissible uses in the syllabus and assignments
- Bradley also provides sample syllabus language showing that AI use in coursework may be allowed, partially allowed, or prohibited depending on the course
The University prohibits student use of AI to generate work that will be submitted as the original work of the student without appropriate attribution.
Non-permissible uses of generative AI for academic work will be communicated by individual instructors for their courses on the course syllabus and in specific assignments. Individual instructors may choose to be more restrictive than the University regarding the use of AI in their courses.
In the event that an instructor does not include an explicit statement on the use of AI on their course syllabus, this policy shall be the default.
Generally, there are 3 approaches for consideration when designing course assignments and providing clear instructions in course syllabi: 1) Allow AI on assignments with proper citation; 2) Allow AI only for certain assignments/exercises; 3) Prohibit AI for assigned coursework.
- Unauthorized AI use in exams and assessments is prohibited and treated the same as cheating or plagiarism
- Bradley specifies grade penalties for unauthorized AI use on final and non-final examinations, and instructors may define permissible and non-permissible uses in their course materials
A “zero,” or the equivalent of the lowest failing grade possible, shall be assigned for that piece of work to any students cheating, plagiarizing, or using AI in an unauthorized manner on a final examination, non-final examination, or other piece of work.
An “F” shall also be assigned as the course grade to any student cheating, plagiarizing, or using AI in an unauthorized manner on a comprehensive final examination.
Non-permissible uses of generative AI for academic work will be communicated by individual instructors for their courses on the course syllabus and in specific assignments.
- Bradley states that students should be instructed in the ethical use of generative AI as a valuable tool, but it does not establish a single university-wide rule specifically governing personal study or tutoring uses
- Sample syllabus language and teaching materials indicate that AI may be permitted for idea generation, research-question refinement, finding information, outlining, grammar support, and critical evaluation when an instructor allows it
The University recognizes the need to instruct its students in the ethical use of generative AI as a valuable tool, and acknowledges the need for both definition and regulation of its acceptable use.
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
● Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
● Fine tuning your research questions;
● Finding information on your topic;
● Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
● Checking grammar and style.
Assessment questions in this assignment intentionally link assigned course materials to the artificially generated essay. In doing so, we foster student critical thinking, inviting students to fact-check generative AI, build information literacy, and assess the AI tool itself.
Research
Academic Integrity
- Bradley requires attribution when students use AI in submitted work
- Students are directed to consult their instructor or disciplinary citation style, and sample syllabus language requires AI use to be documented and cited, with some examples requiring students to clearly identify AI-generated text or media in submissions
The University prohibits student use of AI to generate work that will be submitted as the original work of the student without appropriate attribution. Students should consult their instructor or the appropriate style and citation manual (eg. MLA, APA, etc.) for guidance and are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated work.
Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic honesty.
When submitting work, students must clearly identify any writing, text, or media generated by AI.
- Bradley treats non-permissible or unauthorized AI use as an academic integrity violation with the same consequences as plagiarism or cheating
- The university specifies grade penalties, including a zero on work and an F in the course in certain cases, but the provided sources do not define any institutional policy on AI detection tools
Non-permissible uses of generative AI in student work are considered to be violations of academic integrity and will be assigned the same consequences as those for plagiarism or cheating.
A “zero,” or the equivalent of the lowest failing grade possible, shall be assigned for that piece of work to any students cheating, plagiarizing, or using AI in an unauthorized manner on a final examination, non-final examination, or other piece of work.
An “F” shall also be assigned as the course grade to any student cheating, plagiarizing, or using AI in an unauthorized manner on a comprehensive final examination.
Any assignment that is found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways [insert the penalty here*].
Institutional & Administrative
- Bradley encourages instructional faculty to include explicit syllabus language on generative AI use in their courses
- The university also provides faculty-facing teaching resources that frame instructor conversation, ethical guidance, and course design around AI, but the provided sources do not establish a university-wide rule for grading, recommendation letters, or administrative communications
Bradley University encourages all instructional faculty to generate syllabus language that provides explicit policy information about the use of generative AI in courses.
Examples of syllabus language related to AI that have been collected by Bradley University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning are below.
Maybe you’ve talked to your students about AI from day one of the semester, clarifying acceptable use in your course.
I feel the ethical thing for me to do as an educator is teach how to use it wisely.
- Bradley states an institutional position that students should be instructed in the ethical use of generative AI and that acceptable use needs definition and regulation
- The university also references examples collected by its Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning and acknowledges the work of an AI Working Group, indicating some organized institutional activity around AI guidance
Bradley University embraces the generation, application, and interpretation of knowledge and prioritizes academic excellence by nurturing critical inquiry, research, creativity, and technical skills development. To these ends, the University recognizes the need to instruct its students in the ethical use of generative AI as a valuable tool, and acknowledges the need for both definition and regulation of its acceptable use.
Examples of syllabus language related to AI that have been collected by Bradley University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning are below. CTEL wishes to acknowledge the valued work of the Brad Brown and the AI Working Group with respect to these examples.
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 Bradley University's AI Policies
Bradley University has defined AI policies in 7 of 12 categories, with an overall coverage score of 58%.
Bradley requires attribution when students use AI in submitted work. Students are directed to consult their instructor or disciplinary citation style, and sample syllabus language requires AI use to be documented and cited, with some examples requiring students to clearly identify AI-generated text or media in submissions.
Bradley treats non-permissible or unauthorized AI use as an academic integrity violation with the same consequences as plagiarism or cheating. The university specifies grade penalties, including a zero on work and an F in the course in certain cases, but the provided sources do not define any institutional policy on AI detection tools.
No explicit data protection or approved AI platform policy is currently defined in the available policy sources.