An Email to WFU AI Task Force

Dear WFU AI Task Force,

I have completed the following agenda as you asked and have written a draft of a potential

policy. Please let me know if you have any comments or concerns about the University AI Policies as outlined below.

Why Do We Need a Policy?

With the rise of ChatGPT and other AI sources, the University wishes to pursue our commitment to maintaining academic integrity and intellectual growth for all members of the campus community. The University wishes to support staff and faculty through developing a set of guidelines to be implemented into the classroom. Thus, it is up to professors to create and provide an AI policy for students to follow. The University wishes to provide guidelines for professors to utilize as they craft their own policies. 

How Can AI Be Acceptable?

The use of AI can be acceptable for certain disciplines. With more computer-programming subjects, AI can be used for code but only with the proper citation. However, AI is deemed to be unacceptable in writing-based courses if any AI source is used to generate a paper. It is unacceptable for students to turn in any work generated by AI and pass it off as their own, especially without a proper citation. Yet, students can use AI to generate potential drafts for papers. If so, the student is responsible for letting the professor know if they used the help of AI. 

What About Accessibility, Inclusivity?

AI should not be permitted in the classroom unless everyone has access to a computer. Professors should not allow AI to be used if students with disabilities cannot have access to the same resources as the rest of the class. This is to ensure equal accessibility among all students. 

Since AI tools can be prone to biases (racial, religious, gender, etc.), all students must be well aware that AI-software can produce answers which can be seen as hurtful or harmful to others. If a professor deems a response to have biases, a conversation between the instructor and student will occur.

Will There Be a Code of Ethics or Conduct?

As outlined in the Student Conduct page, any academic behavior related to improper use of AI resources can lead to a violation of the Honor Code. Under this policy, cheating and plagiarism with the help of any AI resources is strictly prohibited. Violators of University AI Policies are subject to review by the Honor and Ethics Council. Persistent violation of the Policies guidelines can be considered Code of Conduct issues, which are resolved by the Office of the Dean of Students.

Sincerely,

Andrea Novaria