Villanueva University AI Policy

Permissions: The use of A.I.-generated material for a course or assignment/activity can be prohibited by the faculty member. Failure to follow this prohibition is a violation of the academic integrity code.

Follow the guidance of your faculty.

This includes using the assistance of A.I. text generators to perform central requirements of an assignment (i.e., reading, synthesizing, interpreting, writing, coding, programming, etc.) without both the explicit permission of the instructor and complete attribution and citation of A.I.-assisted components.

"When completing an individual class assessment (i.e. assignment, quiz, lab report, exam, etc.) students shall rely on their own mastery of the subject and not attempt to receive help in any way not explicitly approved by the instructor.”

Cheating includes trying to give or obtain information about a test when not explicitly permitted by the instructor.

In many educational contexts, the inappropriate use of A.I. can be detrimental to your learning and mastering higher-order skills and therefore should be avoided. In other situations it could be beneficial. Follow the guidance of your faculty.

Please consult with your instructor if you are uncertain whether outside sources/support, including A.I. support, are allowed in a course or on an assignment.

This includes using the assistance of A.I. text generators to perform central requirements of an assignment (i.e., reading, synthesizing, interpreting, writing, coding, programming, etc.) without both the explicit permission of the instructor and complete attribution and citation of A.I.-assisted components.

The Code specifically prohibits using A.I. text generators to fulfill essential requirements of an assignment—such as reading, synthesizing, interpreting, writing, coding, or programming—without both explicit instructor permission and proper attribution and citation of any A.I.-assisted components.

Generative AI tools can store data from user interactions to improve their systems, raising concerns about sensitive information like student records and proprietary research or institutional information. Any information provided to third-party, public generative AI tools is considered public and may be stored and used by the third party. For example, using a personal ChatGPT account is considered a public AI tool.

Sensitive data should not be entered into generative AI tools without the tool having been assessed and approved by the Office of Information Security and a contract in place that has been reviewed by the Office of General Counsel.

Students shall not falsify, invent, or use in a misleading way any information, data, or citations in any assignment.

This includes making up or changing data or results, or relying on someone else’s results, in an experiment or lab assignment.

As public servants and professionals, researchers have clear obligations to conduct their research responsibly. Villanova researchers are required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) refers to the set of ethical principles and practices that guide the conduct of research. It involves maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism throughout all stages of the research process.

Be transparent about the use of AI. Disclose when a work product was created wholly or partially using an AI tool and, if appropriate, how AI was used to create the work product. Non-disclosure could be considered misrepresentation or plagiarism if the AI generated content is presented as human work.

This includes using the assistance of A.I. text generators to perform central requirements of an assignment (i.e., reading, synthesizing, interpreting, writing, coding, programming, etc.) without both the explicit permission of the instructor and complete attribution and citation of A.I.-assisted components.

Use the free detection tools that are becoming available and inform students that detection tools will be evolving right along with AI technologies. Note that these are not 100% reliable but can be useful. Currently, Safe Assign and TurnItIn cannot detect AI-generated work.

AI detection presents challenges, in part because there are no good AI language detectors. At best, AI detection tools will be correct 50% of the time, and worse yet, the available tools tend to falsely accuse English language learners—and anyone who may write in ways large language models do—of cheating.

Of course, detection is just the beginning; a professor who suspects a student has presented AI generated text as their own will need to engage the student to uncover the facts and look to Villanova University’s Code of Academic Integrity for guidance.

Faculty should submit a violation using the Report a Violation of the Academic Integrity Code in MyNOVA.

Faculty at Villanova can use AI to thoughtfully generate and refine course materials in ways that advance our Augustinian and University mission.

Faculty should be transparent about their use of AI, acknowledging when and how it is used in their materials.

It is expected that individual colleges and programs develop their own detailed guidelines and policies to provide more direction to their faculty.

Example syllabus statement: AI tools have been used to help generate and/or refine select course materials (ideally, they should be specifically identified). All content has been carefully reviewed and validated by the instructor for accuracy.

available to faculty and staff.

AI tools should be used within the Acceptable Use and Data Classifications policies. You should not enter data that is classified as Restricted or Private, including non-public student data and information subject to federal or state laws or regulations, including for example student education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and patient data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Any information provided to third-party, public generative AI tools is considered public and may be stored and used by the third party. For example, using a personal ChatGPT account is considered a public AI tool.

Sensitive data should not be entered into generative AI tools without the tool having been assessed and approved by the Office of Information Security and a contract in place that has been reviewed by the Office of General Counsel.

Data Classification: Public, Private and Restricted Data.

Data Classification: Public and Private Data.

Data Classification: Currently in the planning phase.

These Guidelines apply to the use of AI tools by all members of the Villanova University community including students, faculty, staff, and vendors. This document is not a final policy but will be updated as AI technology, regulations, and industry practices evolve. It is intended to complement existing policies on ethics, privacy, security, and compliance.

These Guidelines aim to foster an ethical and responsible approach to AI, balancing innovation with the core principles of integrity, accountability, confidentiality, security, and privacy.

The Villanova University AI Working Group provides leadership and coordination for the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence across the institution. Its work helps guide how AI is explored and integrated in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement.

Through thoughtful governance and collaboration, the group supports Villanova’s commitment to ethical practice, academic excellence, and its Augustinian values while ensuring the University remains a leader in the evolving landscape of AI.