Skip to Main Content

Artificial Intelligence /Generative AI / Student Edition

When is AI Use Unethical for Students?

  1. Plagiarism: Submitting AI-generated content as one's own work without proper attribution. This includes copying and pasting text generated by AI without acknowledging its source.

  2. Ghostwriting: Using AI to write entire papers or significant portions of them and presenting it as the student's original work. This bypasses the learning process and misrepresents the student's abilities.

  3. Cheating: Employing AI tools to answer exam questions or complete assignments in real-time, especially during closed-book exams or assessments meant to test individual understanding.

  4. Falsifying Data: Using AI to generate fake data, results, or citations for research papers. This compromises the integrity of academic research and can lead to the spread of misinformation.

  5. Manipulating Feedback: Utilizing AI to rewrite or paraphrase feedback received on assignments in a way that misrepresents the student's understanding or progress. This can mislead educators about the student's actual abilities.

  6. Evading Detection: Using AI to paraphrase or alter plagiarized content to avoid detection by plagiarism-checking software. This still constitutes plagiarism and undermines the principles of academic honesty.

It's essential for students to use AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring that their work remains a true reflection of their own efforts and understanding. 

Microsoft. (2025). Copilot (Feb 17 version) [Large language model]. https://copilot.microsoft.com/

When is AI Use Ethical for Students?

ALWAYS check with your instructor if you plan to use AI in an assignment and confirm that acceptable use of AI is permitted in your class.

  1. Idea Generation: Using AI to brainstorm topics or generate ideas for papers. This can help students find inspiration and identify areas of interest without substituting their original thinking.

  2. Research Assistance: Employing AI to help find credible sources, articles, or data relevant to the topic. AI can be used to speed up the research process while ensuring that students still critically evaluate and properly cite their sources.

  3. Proofreading and Grammar Check: Leveraging AI tools to proofread and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This allows students to submit polished and error-free papers while maintaining the originality of their content.

  4. Formatting: Using AI to assist with proper formatting of citations, references, and the overall paper structure according to specific academic styles (e.g., APA, MLA). This helps ensure compliance with guidelines without altering the paper's intellectual content.

  5. Language Translation: For non-native speakers, using AI to translate sections of their paper into English or another language, while ensuring that the student still reviews and understands the translated content before submission.

  6. Plagiarism Check: Utilizing AI to check for unintentional plagiarism before submitting a paper. This helps students ensure their work is original and properly cited, thereby maintaining academic integrity.

ALWAYS remember to use AI as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for your own critical thinking and writing. 

Microsoft. (2025). Copilot (Feb 17 version) [Large language model}. https://copilot.microsoft.com/