ChatGPT & AI Technology Policy

CHATGPT & AI TECHNOLOGY POLICY

This policy establishes clear guidelines for the appropriate use of ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic work. AI tools can be valuable for brainstorming and research support; however, undisclosed or improper use undermines academic integrity, the learning process, and the development of essential skills.

This policy applies to all generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of producing text, ideas, summaries, outlines, or other content in response to user prompts. Examples include, but are not limited to, ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Gemini (Google), Perplexity AI, Jasper, GrammarlyGO, and similar platforms. The list of examples is provided for illustration only and is not exhaustive.

Rationale

1. Authentic Learning: Academic assignments are designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent expression. Overreliance on AI tools bypasses these objectives.
2. Academic Integrity and Originality: Using AI-generated content without clear attribution constitutes plagiarism. Transparent disclosure is required whenever AI tools contribute ideas or language.
3. Skill Development: Students must develop their own research, writing, and communication abilities. While AI can assist in limited ways, it should not replace original analysis and expression.
4. Subject Mastery: Assignments are opportunities to demonstrate understanding of course material. Submitting AI-generated work without appropriate citation misrepresents comprehension.

Policy Guidelines

Permitted Uses:

Unless otherwise prohibited by the instructor, students may use AI tools for:

• Generating ideas and brainstorming topics.
• Outlining or summarizing reference material.
• Checking grammar or clarity.
• Exploring sample questions to deepen understanding.
• Any such use must be transparently acknowledged in the assignment.

Prohibited Uses:
Students may not:

• Submit AI-generated text as their own writing.
• Use AI to create substantial portions of assignments (e.g., essays, discussion posts, reports) without explicit instructor permission.
• Use AI to fabricate sources or falsify data.

Disclosure and Citation:
To ensure transparency and uphold academic integrity, any use of ChatGPT or similar AI tools must be clearly disclosed and appropriately cited in all assignments. Students are required to include the following information in their work:

Tool Identification

• The name of the AI tool used (e.g., OpenAI ChatGPT).
• The version or date accessed (e.g., July 2025 version).

Purpose of Use

A clear description of what the AI assisted with (e.g., brainstorming ideas, generating outlines, summarizing content).

Prompt Disclosure

The specific prompt(s) or query(ies) submitted to the AI tool that produced any content incorporated into the assignment.

Prompts may be included either (a) in the body of the disclosure statement, or (b) in a labeled appendix attached to the submission.

Statement of Review

A declaration that the student reviewed, edited, and took responsibility for all content.

Sample Disclosure:

Author’s Note: I used OpenAI’s ChatGPT (July 2025 version) to generate an outline and suggest revisions to the introduction paragraph. The prompt I used was: “Provide an outline for a paper on the main themes of Augustine’s Confessions.” I reviewed and edited all AI-generated content prior to submission. The full prompt and response are provided in Appendix A.

Turabian Footnote Example:

¹ OpenAI, ChatGPT, response to prompt, “Provide an outline for a paper on the main themes of Augustine’s Confessions,” July 2025 version, https://chat.openai.com. See Appendix A for full prompt and response transcript.

Turabian Bibliography Entry Example:
OpenAI. CHATGPT. July 2025 version. https://chat.openai.com.

To assist with compliance, students may use the following template in their assignments:

Author’s Note:
I used [AI Tool Name and Version] to [describe purpose: e.g., brainstorm, summarize, outline]. The prompt(s) I used were: “[insert prompt].” I reviewed, edited, and take responsibility for all content. The AI-generated response is included in [Appendix/Page].

Academic Integrity

• Misconduct: Use of AI tools in violation of this policy, including submitting AI-generated content as original work without disclosure, constitutes academic dishonesty. Such conduct will be addressed under the institution’s existing plagiarism and academic integrity policies. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, assignment failure, course failure, or further disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
• Support Resources: Students are encouraged to seek help from instructors, the writing center, or academic support services to strengthen their skills without misusing AI tools.

Permitted Use of AI Tools

Unless otherwise prohibited by the instructor, students may use assistive technology tools limited to spelling, grammar, and clarity checking. For example, the use of Grammarly or similar tools solely for proofreading and grammar corrections is permitted and does not require disclosure.

However, if students use AI-powered features that generate or rewrite substantial portions of text (such as GrammarlyGO or other generative writing tools), they must disclose this use and provide appropriate citation, in accordance with this policy.

AI Tool Usage Quick Reference: