Yes, a student’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) can be treated differently in graduate school versus undergraduate school. Typically, though, AI usage policies are not segregated based on a student’s status as a graduate or undergraduate student.
Instead, AI usage policies typically vary from instructor to instructor. This means that a graduate school instructor could have a different policy than an undergraduate instructor. At the same time, two instructors who both teach undergraduates could have substantially different AI usage policies.
The key for any student—whether they are pursuing graduate or undergraduate studies—is to know each of their instructors’ unique AI usage policies.
When any graduate or undergraduate student faces an allegation of AI misconduct, they should call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us onlineas soon as possible.
Do Graduate and Undergraduate Schools Have Different Policies, Generally Speaking?
Yes, graduate and undergraduate schools tend to have distinct policies. Yes, in many cases, these separate policies include distinct guidance for students’ use of artificial intelligence. However, we can expect that one university’s graduate and undergraduate policies will be very similar, as each should reflect the foundational principles and perspectives that run through the entire school.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) provides an illustrative example of how such dual policies might work.
- ULL has Generative AI guidelines specific to the graduate school: These guidelines encourage students to be transparent in their use of AI resources, collaboration with their instructors to “ensure mutual understanding and alignment on the acceptable use of GAI tools,” and accountability in using AI in an ethical way.
- ULL also has an “AI 101” document that applies generally to “college students”: This more general policy, which presumably applies first and foremost to undergraduate students, advises students to use AI “wisely.” The preeminent theme in this document is that students should consult each of their instructors’ AI usage policies to determine if they can use the technology for academic purposes.
- These policies are fundamentally similar: There are no apparent contradictions between ULL’s graduate AI usage policies and its guidance that applies more broadly to the entire ULL student body. This illustrates how, even when universities have separate policies for graduate and undergraduate students, those policies tend to be materially similar.
ULL’s AI policies also highlight another critical point: when students need to know whether or how they can use AI in a course, their instructor holds all the answers.
Instructors Almost Always Establish AI Conduct Rules for Students, Regardless of Those Students’ Level
Years after the groundbreaking release of ChatGPT, an undeniable trend has emerged in universities’ approach to AI. Rather than attempting to create universal AI guidance, schools have empowered instructors to write their own rules.
This means that instructors, whether they are primarily educating undergraduates or grad students, must clarify:
- Whether students are permitted to use AI resources at all
- In which circumstances a student can use AI without violating the instructor’s policies or expectations
- Specific types of AI use that are forbidden in that course
- Any specific AI resources that are permitted or prohibited in the course
- What course-level penalties are, should a student violate the instructor’s AI usage policies
Most, if not all, of these points are typically addressed in an instructor’s written syllabus. Nowadays, many instructors have entire sections of their syllabi dedicated to AI, though some include only an AI statement.
Written policies are not always enough to provide students with the guidance they need. Instructors should always be willing to speak with their students about AI, clarifying any points that can help the student avoid misconduct accusations.
Do Graduate Students and Undergrads Face Different Penalties for AI Misuse?
Yes, graduate students and undergraduate students can face different consequences if they are found responsible for AI misconduct because:
- As we can see from Georgia Tech’s policy library (and countless other schools’ similar libraries), graduate students are often subject to distinct policies and procedures that may produce different disciplinary outcomes
- Graduate students’ instructors may impose different penalties for students’ alleged AI misuse (though every student may face such variation in policies from one professor to the next)
- Undergraduate and graduate students are in distinct circumstances, and may have more or less to lose based on those circumstances
This is not to say that an undergraduate student will face more severe penalties for AI misuse than a graduate student, or vice versa. The adjudication procedures and course policies may just be different, and therefore produce different disciplinary outcomes.
Graduate and Undergraduate Students Face Different Stakes
The realities of a graduate and undergraduate student differ in several ways that may be relevant to AI misconduct proceedings. For instance, it’s possible that:
- A graduate student, being on the precipice of a particular career in a specialized field, faces imminent and severe professional ramifications for collegiate discipline
- The discipline of an undergraduate student might derail plans that the student had for graduate school
- A course director who oversees undergraduate students might be more willing to view AI misuse as a “youthful mistake” and allow the student to retake the assignment (though you should never take such leniency for granted)
Each student’s disciplinary history could also affect how a case of alleged AI misconduct unfolds. An undergrad or graduate student with a spotless record might get the benefit of the doubt, while one with any prior disciplinary history could be presumed guilty.
Regardless of whether you are in undergraduate or graduate school, you should exercise every opportunity to prevent severe discipline. Every student has something to lose, and most of them have a whole lot at stake.
The LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team defends students from misconduct allegations. Whether you are in your first year of college or are close to earning an advanced degree, we are the team you want on your side.
Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us onlineabout any misconduct allegations you face and how we plan to fight for you.