You're not the first. And you're not alone. Chances are you've been accused of academic misconduct after using Snorkl AI, or a professor or honor board believes you did. First, take a deep breath. These situations are stressful, but you're not alone. As artificial intelligence software becomes more prevalent in education, students across the country are being flagged for using tools like Snorkl, even when they weren't trying to cheat.
We'll share how AI-driven software platforms can cause problems for today's students and how flawed most evaluation processes are at the collegiate level. Don't face these AI-use allegations and disciplinary actions alone. If you believe you've been unfairly flagged, questioned, or face disciplinary action related to Snorkel AI (or another form of artificial intelligence use), it's time to act.
Let the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team help. Contact us online about your case or call directly at 888-535-3686.
What Is Snorkl AI?
Snorkl AI is a study assistant tool designed to help students master course material. It uses artificial intelligence to answer questions, explain concepts, and offer practice exercises. It's marketed as a tool to boost comprehension and support independent learning. And it's quickly becoming a popular go-to resource for busy students. However, some schools and professors are now treating its use as a violation of academic integrity policies. Faculty and honor boards don't all agree on how to evaluate students who submit work and use Snorkl AI with their assignments and classwork.
Snorkl offers a variety of use cases that can fall within acceptable learning practices, including:
- Concept Clarification: Using Snorkl to break down complex ideas or confusing textbook passages into simpler explanations.
- Practice Question Assistance: Reviewing or generating sample questions to test your understanding of the material before exams.
- Study Guide Creation: Summarizing lecture notes or readings into digestible formats for solo study.
- Homework Help (Without Copying): Getting guidance or step-by-step logic to understand how to approach problems, not just copy answers.
- Brainstorming Ideas: Using Snorkl to jumpstart topic ideas for essays, projects, or presentations without copying phrasing or structure.
- Self-Checking Work: Comparing your own answers to Snorkl's for insight into accuracy, reasoning, or missed details.
- Time Management Support: Identifying key concepts to focus on when overwhelmed by volume or deadlines.
- Reinforcing Lecture Content: Using Snorkl to revisit material after class and solidify comprehension.
How Snorkl AI Use Can Lead to Academic Trouble
Many students use Snorkl AI in the same way they'd use flashcards or a study guide. They never intend to break any rules or violate school policy. But if your assignment wording sounds too close to an AI explanation or interpretation, or if the software logs indicate external assistance, some institutions will quickly jump to conclusions. So many universities and institutions still remain under the assumption that all AI assistance, even if it's just for taking notes, is a violation. Add in unclear campus policies (honor codes) and inconsistent enforcement, and it's easy to find yourself in the middle of a serious academic hearing.
Why Snorkl Isn't the Problem. Policy and Oversight Are
The AI “cat's out of the bag,” and students have one-click access to hundreds of AI-related software platforms. Some are rooted in automation, geared toward saving time. Others center on more comprehension and learning support. Of course, there are plenty of content creation tools, too, like ChatGPT. However, Snorkl AI and others aren't necessarily the problem. Academic policy, definition, and oversight are.
Blaming the tech, like an AI-driven software platform like Snorkl AI, for academic misconduct misses the bigger picture. Outdated policies that can't keep up with the changing technology and vague definitions about what constitutes “cheating” are the core issue. As colleges scramble to keep up with oversight measures, students can find themselves unfairly caught in the middle. And that's where the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can step in to help.
Problems With the Academic Misconduct Process
When students don't realize just how differently schools interpret AI support, based on assignment types and context, they run the risk of getting in trouble. That's where the misunderstandings come in and disciplinary lines blur.
The tools that institutions rely on to evaluate your work is often also AI, and sometimes inaccurate. As a tech-savvy student, you also know that detection tools never tell the whole story. This leads to common misjudgments and assumptions, like cheating. But the reality is:
- Some schools rely too heavily on AI-generated evidence without verifying its accuracy.
- Students are often left in the dark about what specifically led to the misconduct accusation.
- Many disciplinary panels lack the technical expertise to fairly assess AI-related cases.
- Students frequently aren't given a real opportunity to share their side of the story.
What's at Risk If You Face AI-Related Investigation
Don't walk into a hearing without recognizing what's at risk. An AI-related academic misconduct investigation means the stakes are high and real. Your grades, scholarships, academic standing, and even your degree could be in jeopardy. Depending on your school's code of conduct and policies, you could also face:
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
- Permanent documentation on your record
Any of these outcomes could make it harder (or impossible) for you to transfer schools, apply to grad programs, or secure scholarships. Essentially, your entire future is riding on this investigation decision and outcome.
What You Should Do Now
If you're facing allegations or discipline from your school regarding an unapproved use of AI like Snorkl AI, we can help. Our Student Defense Team can be your representative in navigating the investigation, responding to allegations, and protecting your records. As soon as you become aware of an investigation, contact us. Your chances of a better outcome improve when you secure legal representation quickly.
Tell us about your case using our online form here or call us directly at 888.535.3686.
