AI Vision: At Northern Kentucky University, we envision harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence to enhance our innovative, student-centered education. By integrating AI into our academic programs and support services, we aim to increase access to learning opportunities, improve student completion rates, and foster meaningful career and community engagement. Through responsible and ethical AI practices, we strive to empower our graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a dynamic, technology-driven world while contributing to the economic, civic, and social vitality of our region.
The purpose of a university education is to help students think critically, develop a sense of identity and purpose, acquire knowledge and skills for future careers, broaden their knowledge of other cultures, and engage with their community. While artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can aid students in the development of knowledge and skills, it is not a substitute for the work of individual learning. In other words, generative AI can give an answer just as a calculator might, but it can’t teach you how to think. This is especially important considering the need to critically evaluate AI-generated work since it can sometimes be biased or inaccurate.
Students must abide by course policies in their use of artificial intelligence. These should be clearly listed in the course syllabus, but if they are not, the student is responsible for clarifying with the faculty member the expectations regarding AI usage. Failure to abide by those guidelines may result in academic integrity policy violations. See the Academic Integrity section below.
All uses of AI should be cited in your coursework to promote trust, transparency, and proper attribution of work. See the section on Citation and Acknowledgement below.
Each course syllabus should clearly state the expectations regarding AI use for study, learning, and assessment. Instructors should review this policy with students at the beginning of the semester. Below are sample syllabus statements for different levels of AI integration:
Open Use: "In this course, students are encouraged to explore and utilize generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, CoPilot, or other AI resources) as part of their learning process. AI can assist with brainstorming, drafting, and refining ideas. However, students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content and must cite AI use in accordance with academic integrity policies."
Some Use: "Generative AI tools may be used in this course for specific assignments, as directed by the instructor. Acceptable use includes idea generation, revision assistance, and structured feedback. AI should not be used for original analysis, exams, or assignments where personal synthesis of material is required. Any use of AI must be properly documented and cited. Unauthorized AI use may be considered a violation of academic integrity."
No Use: "Use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for any assignments, discussions, or assessments. All work must be completed independently and without AI assistance. Violations of this policy will be considered academic misconduct and handled accordingly."
“Generative artificial intelligence use should be aligned with academic integrity standards, maintain the originality of student work, and be used transparently and responsibly in accordance with the AI guidelines established in the course syllabus and the course's learning objectives.
Students are expected to remain informed about the AI tools they use and take full responsibility for their output, including factual accuracy. Toward such ends, students may be asked for additional supplementation to assignments, such as citation of AI work, an appendix of used tools, or a separate conversation with the instructor to showcase understanding of the assignment objectives.
Failure to adhere to these expectations constitutes a possible violation of NKU’s academic integrity standards and may result in disciplinary action.”
(Link to full policy here)
