In the last year, the world of generative artificial intelligence has swept the country by storm. Generative AI platforms are controversial; they often use copyrighted material to learn and create new derivative works, and these platforms are likely to shake up the world of copyright law. But with lawsuits already pending against GitHub, Open AI, and Microsoft, Open AI released a conversational AI chatbot called ChatGPT in November of 2022. This platform is already immensely popular, with people using the “large language model” to create new Taylor Swift lyrics, debug code, explain physics problems, and write bible verses.

Academic Misconduct Allegations

Now, many professors, colleges, and universities are including official policies about using ChatGPT and other AI platforms to complete classwork, papers, and exams. While some professors embrace ChatGPT as a useful teaching tool or a jumping-off point for students to develop their own unique ideas, others see AI as a threat to academic integrity, banning its use in classwork entirely and classifying it as plagiarism and academic misconduct.

The consequences of a finding of academic misconduct can be serious. You can fail a test or a class, be forced to retake a class, face suspension or expulsion, or even have a degree revoked. You'll also have an academic misconduct finding on your record, making it challenging to continue your education at another college, university, graduate, or professional school. That's why it's essential that you have an experienced educational attorney-advisor advising and guiding you through the college disciplinary process.

Plagiarism and ChatGPT

Using artificial intelligence to complete a test, paper, or essay differs from typical plagiarism because ChatGPT and other AI platforms don't take word-for-word information from the web. Instead, the platforms learn from internet sources, compiling unique writing with ideas, facts, and original thoughts taken from others.

If a professor wants to “prove” that a student used ChatGPT or another AI platform to complete a test, they can use software created by ChatGPT producers. While the software may tell them with 99.9% certainty that AI created a student's test submission, there are no direct citations or quotations the platform can point to as definitive proof of plagiarism. As a result, you and a skilled education attorney can have plenty of room to challenge a professor's misconduct allegations.

Hire an Experienced Education Attorney-Advisor

If you're facing academic integrity, plagiarism, or cheating allegations that you improperly used ChatGPT or another AI platform to complete a test at college, the consequences can be serious. That's why you need an experienced education attorney-advisor to give you advice and protect your rights.

Education Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento is a seasoned student discipline lawyer whose Student Defense Team has helped hundreds of college students across the country. Find out how they can help you too. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or contact them online to set up your consultation.