The rise of generative AI tools like Google Gemini has ushered in a new era of learning for students. Thanks to these tools, students can tackle their assignments, conduct their research, and get great outputs faster and more efficiently. Used appropriately, Gemini and other generative AI can help improve a college student's learning rate and capacity.
However, they are not without their issues. Because Gemini largely works in a generative capacity, it's been known to blatantly copy or attribute other people's intellectual products as original thoughts or ideas. Unfortunately, students who take the answers or information provided by the Gemini and use them verbatim or without verification can be accused of plagiarism or cheating. This can lead to disciplinary actions and outcomes, including suspension or even expulsion.
To ensure that you get a fair chance at an effective defense, you need legal help. If you have been accused of academic misconduct due to using Google Gemini, the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you.
Call 888-535-3686 or fill out this online contact form to speak to an attorney.
When Does the Use of Gemini Count as a Violation of Academic Policies?
Since generative AI became commonplace, most tertiary institutions have released or adopted policies aimed at guiding students. These policies are designed not only to curb cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct, but also to encourage academic honesty and provide students with best practices when using these tools.
Unfortunately, because this is new technology, these policies are likely to be ever-changing and frequently updated, which is why students who use Gemini for their academic activities are advised to consistently look up their school's latest policies on AI tools usage.
That said, if your actions fall under one or more of the following due to the use of Gemini, you may be flagged and/or penalized:
- Failure to disclose the use of Gemini or other AI assistants in your coursework
- Paraphrasing generated content in a bid to circumvent plagiarism detection tools
- Copying and pasting generated content verbatim
- Passing off generated content as your original work
- Not demonstrating the original work before using Gemini
- Not adding proper attribution where necessary
- Violating the academic authorities' instructions or policy statements regarding Gemini usage
- Using Gemini to cheat in examinations, tests, or assignments
- Using prohibited data provided by Gemini
- Sharing private academic information or data with Gemini
- Using non-approved or prohibited Gemini editions for academic coursework (most schools only approve the Gemini Education editions)
These are some of the more common scenarios that may result in allegations of academic misconduct. Because of their delicate nature, experienced legal professionals are needed to handle cases like this properly.
Penalties for Gemini-Related Offences in Colleges and Universities
Plagiarism, cheating, or other offences related to the use of Gemini can have serious consequences for you. Depending on the circumstances, students may face the following consequences:
- Mark deductions
- Failing grade
- Mandatory request to re-do the assignment or retake the test
- Outright course failure
- Academic suspension
- Expulsion
Allegations of inappropriate Gemini or AI use can follow you throughout your academic years in school. Your assignments, papers, test or exam results, and other academic activities may attract increased scrutiny from faculty staff. Also, your reputation on campus may be damaged, while the blight of the accusation can persist even after college, following you into your professional years.
This is why you cannot afford to take any of these allegations lightly. You have to take the necessary steps to fight these accusations and hopefully, get them stricken from your record so you don't have to deal with the fallout ever again.
Factors Influencing the Severity of Penalties Due to Gemini Use
The severity of your punishment for using Gemini will often depend on several factors. These include:
- The extent of the offense and what you did with the generated content from Gemini
- College or university policy regarding AI use
- The teacher or professor's specific instructions regarding AI use
For instance, if you copied entire sections of text and passed them off as yours, the penalty will likely be more severe than someone who merely paraphrased a couple of paragraphs without citations. Also, if your school or professor issues directives against the use of Gemini as a policy, the contravention of those policies or directives can result in serious penalties.
It's not fair to you that you have to undergo one or more of the penalties previously outlined, but that's often the case in many universities. If these allegations stick, you'll live with the consequences of these actions, some of which will be unpleasant. This is why you have to take all necessary measures to fight the allegations.
Steps to Take If You've Been Accused of Academic Misconduct Due to Gemini Usage
If your professor suspects that you used Gemini in unapproved ways, it can lead to serious consequences. It's dangerous to assume that admitting your mistakes and pleading for leniency will get you pardoned. In fact, this may further implicate you and worsen the situation.
You have to take concrete steps to protect yourself if you've been accused of misusing Gemini or using it without approval. Here's what you need to do:
- Get in touch with an experienced student discipline attorney
- Don't admit to anything without legal counsel
- Say nothing without legal representation or support
- Collect as much evidence as possible to support your defense, including the school's AI policies
- Keep a record of all communication between you and the accuser
- Furnish your attorney with all the necessary information
The reality is that with these new technologies, several defense strategies can be used to make your case before the disciplinary board or other relevant academic entities like your professor. With the right legal guidance, you can navigate these issues and come to a favorable agreement with your school.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help You
Mistakes or errors in judgment shouldn't lead to a lifetime of regret or missed opportunities. Unfortunately, if improperly handled, allegations of academic misconduct related to the use of Gemini can lead to academic and professional ruin.
Don't let that happen to you or your child. Let the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team help overcome these allegations and get you or your child the second chance they deserve.
Call 888-535-3686 or fill out this online contact form to discuss your case.
