Colleges typically have policies specifically detailing how students can or cannot use artificial intelligence (AI) as an academic resource. At most schools, professors have the most authority to dictate these policies, and school-level policies typically reflect this.

While different colleges and universities tend to have similarities in their AI policies, they are rarely identical. Students, who are the ones most affected by these policies, should never make assumptions about their universities’ and professors’ AI policies. Instead, they should become students of those policies, extracting all information that is relevant to them.

Universities and professors also have responsibilities regarding AI-specific policies. If they intend to hold students accountable for violating such policies, the policies must:

  1. Exist
  2. Provide adequate detail for the student to find value in the policies
  3. Take reasonable measures to share and explain the policies to students
  4. Honor the details of the policies

A student might inadvertently violate an AI policy. In other cases, failures by university employees to inform students of proper AI use can position them for failure. In each of these cases, the student may be accused of misconduct and face adverse, potentially life-changing sanctions.

If you are the student alleged to have committed a violation, or you want to help a student accused of misconduct, call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. We find student-friendly resolutions to the most complex disciplinary problems, and the emergence of AI has made our services as essential as ever.

Who Has the Authority to Formulate AI-Specific Policies at Colleges and Universities?

Universities have ultimate authority to:

  • Formulate school-wide policies dictating how students may or may not use artificial intelligence (AI) in their work
  • Determine whether the school is generally receptive or wary towards AI technology
  • Delegate authority to professors to formulate their own AI usage policies, which students are expected to abide by

The University of Tennessee states that its Board of Trustees “is responsible for adopting a policy pertaining to the use of artificial intelligence technology by students, faculty, and staff for instructional and assignment purposes.” This is just one example of how the school’s most powerful decision-makers ultimately set the tone and specifics for how the entire student body and employee roster must relate to artificial intelligence.

Many colleges and universities are becoming increasingly receptive to AI as a resource for students’ benefit. Columbia University’s Generative AI Policy notes that the school’s leadership “is dedicated to advancing knowledge and learning, and embraces generative AI tools.” Yet, such an open-minded mission does not necessarily mean that students can use AI however they please, or that every professor will have the same optimistic view of AI’s potential for good.

Are AI Usage Policies Consistent Between Different Professors?

The most common approach across universities is for professors to dictate how students may use AI in their coursework. At Loyola University, for example, “AI policies fall under faculty discretion,” and students are expected to “consult with their supervisor, department chair, or associate dean about appropriate use” of AI technology.

Some of the most common problems that come with professor-level AI policies are:

  • When each professor has their own unique AI usage policy, students generally have to keep track of five (or more) distinct AI policies at any given time
  • Subtle differences between each professor’s policies can lead to misinterpretation, confusion, and unintentional violations by the student
  • Professors may vary dramatically in how seriously they regard AI policy violations, so students may be subject to a broad range of punishments—and may not always realize how serious an alleged violation is

Certain professors may expect students to abstain from using AI altogether. Others may have far more liberal AI usage policies. This potential variance requires the student to do their due diligence, clarifying every relevant detail with each professor, constantly honoring each professor’s policy, and doing everything in their power to avoid violating those policies.

Who Decides If a Student Has Violated an AI Usage Policy?

If a student is suspected of having violated a professor’s or the school’s AI usage policy, the next steps generally include:

  • The professor investigating the possible violation: Because professors generally have the foremost authority over their students’ conduct, the professor typically determines whether a student violated their AI usage policy. They might speak with the student, talk with any possible witnesses to the alleged misconduct, and decide whether or not they believe a violation occurred.
  • The professor referring the matter to the school’s adjudicative body: If the professor believes a violation likely occurred, they may refer the matter to the school’s designated disciplinary authorities. That adjudicative body will typically investigate to determine if further action is necessary. The student is generally interviewed during the investigation.
  • The student explaining themselves: If the disciplinary body does not dismiss the matter following the investigation, the student may be called into a hearing. This is their opportunity to present their case, including any relevant witnesses and evidence, and this is an opportunity that our Student Defense Team helps students maximize.
  • The adjudicative body issuing its decision: The body may choose not to find the student responsible, or may find them responsible and issue sanctions such as a formal reprimand, probation, suspension, or even expulsion.

When disciplinary bodies issue judgments that harm the student, the student typically has the chance to appeal. Appeals are another pivotal process that the LLF National Law Firm handles for the students we represent.

Students must take allegations of AI-related misconduct seriously. Even if you have been falsely accused or made an unintentional mistake, you might face punishment more fitting for someone who made an egregious error. And, if you did make a serious and intentional mistake, you still deserve a wholehearted defense.

Call the LLF National Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. Let us explain how our comprehensive representation has helped countless students preserve their academic standing and achieve their future goals, and how we will provide you with the tailor-made defense effort you deserve.

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