Academic integrity means producing honest work that represents your own thinking and learning. In the age
of AI, maintaining academic integrity requires understanding new boundaries while upholding traditional
ethical standards.
What Counts as Academic Dishonesty with AI?
Clear academic dishonesty includes:
- Submitting AI-generated content as your own original work
- Using AI to complete assignments meant to assess your independent abilities
- Failing to disclose AI use when disclosure is required
- Having AI write assignments you're expected to complete yourself
These uses violate academic integrity because they misrepresent your abilities and learning to
instructors. They're equivalent to traditional cheating: having someone else do your work.
The deception isn't in using the technology itself, but in claiming AI-generated work represents your own
knowledge, skills, and effort. Schools treat AI-related dishonesty seriously, with consequences
including failing grades, academic probation, or expulsion.
What Counts as Appropriate AI Use?
Appropriate use generally includes:
- Using AI for brainstorming and idea generation (not final content)
- Generating example structures to understand organization
- Creating multiple drafts to compare approaches
- Using AI output as a starting point that you heavily revise
- Getting suggestions that you evaluate critically before accepting
These uses are comparable to getting tutoring help or visiting a writing center. They support your
learning without replacing your thinking. The key distinction: appropriate AI use helps you produce
better work that still represents your knowledge and effort.
The "Would I Be Comfortable Telling My Professor?" Test
A useful rule of thumb: If you'd be uncomfortable explaining your AI use to your professor,
you're probably using it inappropriately.
Would you confidently say "I used AI to generate a draft, then rewrote it substantially with my own
ideas"? That suggests appropriate use.
Would you hesitate to admit "I had AI write most of my essay and just changed a few words"? That
hesitation indicates problematic use.
This transparency test helps clarify boundaries. Academic integrity ultimately requires honesty about
your work's origin, both to yourself and to instructors.
Developing Your Personal Ethics
Beyond institutional policies, consider your personal educational goals. You're in school to develop
knowledge and skills. Will your AI use support or undermine that development?
Ask yourself:
- Am I using AI to learn more effectively, or to avoid learning?
- Will I be prepared for exams or professional situations where AI won't be available?
- Am I developing the skills this course is designed to teach?
- Would I be proud to explain my process to someone I respect?
These questions help you develop ethical AI use patterns aligned with your long-term interests. Remember:
your education is for you, not just for grades. Short-term AI shortcuts can create long-term skill gaps
that hurt your career prospects.