Heriot-Watt University AI Policy

1. Use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted provided that such use is clearly identified and referenced. Generative AI spelling and grammar checking (e.g. MS Word, Grammarly) does not need to be referenced unless specifically indicated within the course.

2. The use of generative AI should be referenced using the appropriate referencing format for the piece of work.

5. If generative AI is to be used, course staff will provide clear guidance to students on how and when generative AI may be used within the course.

• Misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools: any suspected misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will be dealt with under this policy. In most instances misuse of GenAI would fall under the definition of plagiarism (either through failing to appropriately reference sources (i.e. GenAI) or presenting work that is not student’s own as if it were) but could also fall under the definition of dishonest practice where appropriate.

• Examination Misconduct: unauthorised materials or devices being in the vicinity of a student during an examination or the use of such materials, the use of electronic devices not permitted during an examination, or any other conduct not permitted under the University's Regulations, Policies, and Procedures on examinations.

• Deliberately authorising, facilitating, or voluntarily providing HWU credentials, to any third parties, including any AI tools, to take unfair academic advantage: this includes giving third party’s access to University systems, either directly or via another person. In the example of AI tools, they can normally only gain access to University systems (e.g. Canvas) if students deliberately or voluntarily provide their University login details (e.g. Canvas credentials) to the third party.

• Misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools: any suspected misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will be dealt with under this policy.

Heriot-Watt University recognises the opportunities and challenges that developments in artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, offer to learning, teaching and assessment. We will encourage and support students and staff to engage with artificial intelligence in keeping with the HW general principles on use of technology.

1. Use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted provided that such use is clearly identified and referenced.

4. Courses and programmes within HW may make use of generative AI where it is appropriate to support the learning outcomes, however there is no requirement for a course or programme to utilise generative AI.

5. If generative AI is to be used, course staff will provide clear guidance to students on how and when generative AI may be used within the course.

The second and third cases both involved alleged misuse of AI. The named person deemed both serious enough for formal consideration, and Screening Panels were established. In both cases, respondents were advised of corrective actions.

Ensure comprehensive guidance is available on the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI by postgraduate researchers (PGRs), supervisors and others. This will include:

o Clear standards and boundaries for appropriate AI use in research, writing, data analysis, and academic integrity.

Practical examples and case studies illustrating acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI tools.

Ensure comprehensive guidance is available on the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI by postgraduate researchers (PGRs), supervisors and others. This will include:

o Clear standards and boundaries for appropriate AI use in research, writing, data analysis, and academic integrity.

Research Misconduct is covered under the Research Integrity: Procedures for Investigating Research Misconduct.

1.17 For breaches of Research Integrity by postgraduate research students, these will initially be considered under the Research Integrity Procedures. Those procedures do not currently form part of the Student Academic Misconduct Policy and are concerned with the handling and investigation of allegations of research misconduct. Where an allegation of research misconduct is upheld, action(s) may be taken under those Policies and Procedures to safeguard research integrity. However, where disciplinary action(s) are appropriate, procedures will be initiated under the Student Academic Misconduct Policy.

The second and third cases both involved alleged misuse of AI. The named person deemed both serious enough for formal consideration, and Screening Panels were established.

Integration with existing policies on research integrity, data protection, and academic misconduct to provide consistency and transparency.

1. Use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted provided that such use is clearly identified and referenced. Generative AI spelling and grammar checking (e.g. MS Word, Grammarly) does not need to be referenced unless specifically indicated within the course.

2. The use of generative AI should be referenced using the appropriate referencing format for the piece of work.

• Falsify References: It is a student’s responsibility to ensure that their references list or bibliography accurately reflects genuine sources from which they got their information from. Failing to cite and reference correctly, either intentional or unintentional, is a form of academic misconduct.

• Misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools: any suspected misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will be dealt with under this policy. In most instances misuse of GenAI would fall under the definition of plagiarism (either through failing to appropriately reference sources (i.e. GenAI) or presenting work that is not student’s own as if it were) but could also fall under the definition of dishonest practice where appropriate.

HW will keep under review developments on generative AI detection tools.

6. HW will not be utilising any generative AI detection tools for the period of AY23-24

• Misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools: any suspected misuse of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will be dealt with under this policy.

X9.2. Contract Cheating and inappropriate use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools

The relevant Discipline Committee will follow Table 9.2 when determining an outcome for forms of Contract Cheating and inappropriate use of GenAI tools (as listed above):

Penalty: Immediate expulsion from the University

• This applies to all students who have been proven to have deliberately authorised, facilitated, or voluntarily provided their HWU credentials, to any third parties, including any AI tools, to take unfair academic advantage.

Heriot-Watt University recognises the opportunities and challenges that developments in artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, offer to learning, teaching and assessment. We will encourage and support students and staff to engage with artificial intelligence in keeping with the HW general principles on use of technology.

5. If generative AI is to be used, course staff will provide clear guidance to students on how and when generative AI may be used within the course.

HW will also ensure that staff have the appropriate digital capabilities and the appropriate technologies to provide effective teaching, learning and assessment.

Heriot-Watt University recognises the opportunities and challenges that developments in artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, offer to learning, teaching and assessment. We will encourage and support students and staff to engage with artificial intelligence in keeping with the HW general principles on use of technology.

The governance and integrity of all our research and related activities are the responsibility of our University Committee for Research and Innovation. This is chaired by our Deputy Principal for Research and Impact with representatives of all academic departments as well as key professional services areas involved in research management.

Ensure comprehensive guidance is available on the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI by postgraduate researchers (PGRs), supervisors and others.